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Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to relieve bulging disc pain; it can be supplemented with exercises at home, or exercises can be performed at home even if the patient is not enrolled in physical therapy currently. While it can be tempting to avoid physical activity due to the pain of a bulging disc, this can in fact make symptoms worse in the long run by reducing blood flow to the spine, building up tension in the muscles and spine, and weakening the muscles that help hold the spine up.

Like other conditions that occur in the cervical spine - that portion of the spine that runs through the neck - a bulging disc can cause more severe symptoms than it can in other parts of the spine. This means that treatment is sometimes more urgent. On the other hand, as with any section of the spine, some people have only mild symptoms or are even unaware that they have a bulging disc at all. The course of treatment for this condition will depend on the severity of the symptoms.

Causes & Symptoms

A bulging disc occurs when one of the discs that lie between each of the vertebrae becomes flattened out, like a hamburger too big for its bun. This can occur for several reasons, including age, injury, and trauma. The condition will only start to cause symptoms if the disc presses against the nerve roots or spinal cord, in which case it can interrupt the sensory communications between the brain and the body.

Often, lumbar spine pain is simply the result of muscle strain, poor posture, or other acute, temporary conditions. Other times, lower back pain results from compression of the nerve roots, caused by damage to the discs or vertebrae; when the spine is damaged, misplaced tissue can press against the nerves. Treatment for lumbar spine pain that results from such underlying spine conditions can be intensive, but most cases of chronic back pain can be resolved effectively and in a timely manner. Diagnosis & Treatment