Bulging Disc Treatments

There are many effective treatments for bulging discs; the exact course of treatment will depend on the severity of symptoms. In general, less invasive procedure will be used first, with more invasive procedures only be attempted if the patient doesn't respond well to conservative treatments.

• Physical therapy: During physical therapy, you will practice exercises that strengthen the muscles of your back and improve your posture. This reduces the amount of weight that your spine, including the discs, bear, thus reducing symptoms. In addition, exercises can increase the amount of blood and nutrients that the discs receive. 

• Chiropractic treatment: Like physical therapy, this can improve posture and increase the amount of nutrients the discs receive.
  

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help reduce symptoms by easing inflammation. Once inflammation goes down, it will often stay down even without the continued help of medication. 

• Epidural steroid injections: In this treatment, steroids are injected into the membrane that covers the spinal cord, easing inflammation. 

• Laser back surgery: Here, a laser is inserted into the spine and used to dissolve the portion of the disc that is causing symptoms. This procedure is minimally invasive, requiring only two incisions about the size of a needle. Patients can receive laser back surgery for their bulging disc in an outpatient setting, and return home the same day. 

• Open back surgery: This was the traditional surgical treatment for a bulging disc, but it is increasingly being supplanted by laser back surgery. During this procedure, a large incision is made with a scalpel to open the spine and remove the portion of the disc that is bulging. 

Only a doctor can tell you which form of treatment is best for your particular situation. To start the road to treatment with a top pain management doctor and orthopedic surgeon, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.