Restrictions of range of motion, lower back pain, and numbness and tingling in the extremities are some of the debilitating effects of a bulging disc condition.

If the source of pain radiating to the extremities, neck pain, or lower back pain has been identified as a bulging disc, conservative bulging disc therapy is often the treatment option of many doctors.

The non-surgical bulging disc therapy includes:

Quitting smoking, losing weight, and other lifestyle changes
Prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications
Exercise
Physical therapy
Epidural cortisone injections

Surgery is the last resort when all conservative bulging disc treatments fail to provide lasting pain relief.

Exercise as Treatment for a Bulging Disc

The debilitating pain felt in the back due to a bulging disc can be managed by some stretching exercises. Further injury is prevented with the strengthening of muscles provided by stretching exercises. Pain is also relieved with the right exercise program.

The low-impact aerobic conditioning exercise to help relieve pain and strengthen the back include:

Water aerobics, stationary biking, and walking
Pelvic tilt
Back extension
Shoulder blade stretch
Lower back rotational stretch
Knee to chest rotational stretch
Bridge

Physical Therapy for Bulging Discs

Physical therapy used in treating bulging discs uses a combination of:

Functional training
Therapeutic exercises
Spinal decompression therapy
Pain control techniques
Massage therapy

Combining all these physical therapies helps to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by a bulging disc. A series of tests will be performed by a physical therapist for him to develop a customised physical therapy program for your needs.

The therapy usually lasts for six weeks between two to three sessions per week.

Alternative Bulging Disc Treatments to Consider

Alternative bulging disc treatments have been seen to provide long-lasting pain relief for many patients. With this, some of the alternative bulging disc treatments to consider include:

Hot/Cold Treatment

Alternately using hot and cold compresses has been seen to effectively minimise pain in the lower back. An ice pack placed on the back for 20 minutes a couple of times a day can bring relief. Coming home from work or after a workout is seen to be the right time to place an ice pack on your back. This reduces inflammation and swelling and relief from pain. A warm compress or a heating pad is also effective when you are not experiencing muscle spasms.

Chiropractic Treatment

Consulting a chiropractor allows you to know the underlying causes and type of bulging disc condition you have. A chiropractor will, after diagnosis, perform a series of adjustments to prevent further protrusion of the disc into the spinal canal. Doing this helps to realign the spinal discs, relieving inflammation, swelling, and pain.

Massage Treatment

Chronic lower back pain is offered some form of relief when it receives regular massage therapy. Manipulating the tissues of the back involving stroking and kneading delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. The increased blood flow induced by the massage therapy also carries away accumulated waste byproducts.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient medicinal practice that has proven effective in alleviating lower back pain. The multiple needles inserted by an acupuncturist and left in place between 20-40 minutes are seen to trigger endorphin release into the bloodstream. The released endorphins help in providing relief from pain.