By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-03-14 14:04:39 | Word Count: 664
A bulging disc is a condition in the lower back related to the spine that occurs when a disc bulges through a crevice in the spine. Bulging disc are fairly common in both young and older people. Though a bulging disc is a common cause of compressive type pain it is not necessarily a sign that anything serious is happening to your spine. A bulging disc is also known as a contained spinal disorder because it remains in the annulus fibrosis. Many people experience bulging disc with no symptoms only noticing a problem if/when the disc presses against the nerves of the spinal column causing pain or numbness.
Some suffering from a bulging disc may experience symptoms of pain and discomfort in the legs and feet while others may experience a pain centralized in the arms, shoulders or other regions of the body to indicate that a nerve has been pinched. A bulging disc can occur many ways but it usually happens when the disc shifts out of its normal radius. Often times age is the main cause of a bulging disc and there is always the issue of previous injury. The spine is supported by nerves, tendons, muscles and ligaments which control movement of the head and neck. When a disc slips the neck is affected. This can sometimes go undetected or it results in difficulty moving the neck.
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The bulging disc ultimately occurs when the disc loses some of their ability to act as cushions. This leads to stress and tears. When the disc loses water content they collapse resulting in a narrowing on the disc space between the two vertebrae.
Though a bulging disc is seen in high rates on MRIs in patients with back pain it is not often that medical treatment is necessary. Most bulging disc will heal on its own unbeknownst to the person experiencing the bulging disc. Other treatments for bulging disc include but are not limited to:
Hot and Cold Compresses: If you are experiencing a pain in your lower back due to a bulging disc you may want to consider apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes. Immediately after removing the cold compress you are encouraged to apply heat to the same area. The Healthy Back Institute offers a top on the line infrared heating pad with a technology that allows for deep penetration of heat to the affected area.
Get your rest: A little rest and relaxation both work wonders for bulging disc as it allows a soothing of the back.
Pain medication: Consider taking an ibuprofen such as Advil or Motrin. These anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling in the back which also aids in the reduction of pain.
Massage: There is just about nothing as pleasant as a lower back massage when experiencing a bulging disc and many other types of back pain. Massages works wonders at relaxing the joints and muscles surrounding the disc and it releases tension.
Topical Creams: The Healthy Back Institute offers a Rub On Relief a natural topical cream that is 100% effective for instant relief of chronic pain.
The Healthy Back Institute is experienced with bulging disc therapy. If you would like more tips or information please do not hesitate to visit www.losethebackpain.com today.
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