Rest and over-the-counter pain medications can help with bulging disc pain.
Almost everyone experiences back pain at one point or another, which can be debilitating.
Abulging discis a common cause of low-back or neck pain.
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Rather than being aligned with the edges of the vertebrae, the disc bulges over.
This can put pressure on your nerves, causing pain and inflammation.
Bulging Disc vs. Herniated Disc
Bulging discs andherniated discscan both cause low-back pain.
With a bulging disc, the intervertebral disc moves out of place but remains intact.
(Learn more about the difference between bulging discs and herniated discs here.)
However, theyre most likely between the last five vertebrae in your lower back.
The next most common place for a bulging disc is in the neck.
This area is known asthe cervical spine.
Causes: Why Do I Have Bulging Disc Pain?
Bulging discs are most often related to age.
Over time, the intervertebral discs naturally degenerate.
This is known as degenerative disc disease.
It can cause the discs to pull downward, bulging from their usual placement between the spine’s bones.
If you have lower-back pain, you usually dont need to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Unfortunately, bulging disc pain can worsen over time.
If your pain persists even after you rest, contact your healthcare provider.
Treatment to Address Bulging Disc Pain
Treating a bulging disc takes time and patience.
Heres how to start.
Many patients benefit from a day or two of bed rest.After that, start light activity like walking.
Avoid any movements that make your pain worse.
Steroid Injection
Getting anepidural steroid injectioncan provide pain relief if youre still uncomfortable after six weeks.
A healthcare provider will inject the steroidcortisoneinto your spine to reduce inflammation and pain.
Most people with a bulging disc will not need surgery.
Take time off from your exercise routine or repetitive movements at work.
Instead, incorporate light movements that dont cause you pain, like walking.
Healing and Managing Chronic Bulging Disc Pain
Living with chronic back pain can be difficult.
Staying active can combat disc disease.
Your physical therapist can recommend exercises that will help keep your back healthy and strong.
Steroid injections can also help.
Some patients need periodic steroid injections every few months to reduce pain and inflammation.
Summary
A bulging disc happens when the soft cushioning that usually sits between your vertebrae spills over.
When this puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, it causes pain.
Penn Medicine.Bulging disc vs. herniated disc: Whats the difference?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Herniated disk in the lower back.
American Academy of Neurological Surgeons.Herniated disc.
