Millions of Americans suffer back pain daily. In the majority of cases, pain occurs when muscles or ligaments stretch, strain or tear. In some instances, patients experience pain due to a bulging or displaced disc. Many medical experts agree that reparative surgery, such as bulging disc surgery, is not the only viable option available to resolve this condition. Professionals estimate 90% of persons afflicted with this injury, heal with alternative treatments within 6 months.
Bulging Disc Definition
Between each vertebra lies a shock-absorbing cushion known as a disc. The disc consists of a gel like substance covered by a tough outer layer. Under certain circumstances, the disc can shift backward, putting pressure on spinal nerves, which results in pain. A disc may tear or rupture causing leakage of the cushioning inner fluid, also contributing to pain. The irritated area becomes inflamed, further contributing to symptoms.
Health care providers uses various terms describing the condition including:
Black, Herniated, Collapsed, Prolapsed, Degenerative, Ruptured, Slipped, or Protruded Disc
A bulging disc can occur anywhere along the spine. Symptoms vary according to what location of the spine is affected. Generally, patients experience back pain, numbness or tingling in an extremity, muscular weakness, diminished reflexes or paralysis.
The event is the result of excessive spinal straining, twisting motion, age or obesity. Health care providers make a definitive diagnosis based on an individual's symptoms and by using a CT or MRI scan. Physicians treat the cause and the symptoms using various options before considering intervention with bulging disc surgery.
Medications
In order to reduce inflammation, irritation and mild to moderate pain, health care professionals prescribe a combination of over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications with bed rest along with heat/ice applications or topical ointments. Muscle relaxant medications minimize the effects of painful muscle spasms created by the irritation and tension.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapists treat and educate patients to obtain spinal endurance, flexibility and strength.
Physicians often recommend patients consult with a physical therapist, which use numerous treatment methods to alleviate the spinal pressure and subsequent pain associated with bulging discs.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors, like physicians, formulate treatment based on symptoms and diagnostic testing, which may include x-rays, CT or MRI scans. The practitioner acquires a patient's medical history, list of symptoms and diagnostic test results. They test muscle tone, reflexes and nerve function to determine the location and severity of the condition.
Chiropractors are highly trained professionals who treat improper spinal alignments that impinge upon health and physical function. Similar to physical therapists, chiropractic treatment requires numerous sessions incorporating hot/cold treatments, electrical stimulation, and exercise. A chiropractor's skill and knowledge includes spinal manipulation and methods of traction to realign the spine.
Many individuals prefer chiropractic care because remedies involve non-invasive methods without the use of medications.
Decompression Traction System
Traditional traction methods involved wearing a harness attached to a weight system. Weight increments increased gradually in an attempt to stretch the spine, alleviating pressure.
Modern decompression traction, or DTS, consists of a fully-clothed patient lying on a table in a desired comfortable position. Harnesses and weight are still utilized, but under a carefully controlled computer-generated environment. A computer program initiates gentle stretching and release cycles. The amount of force exerted increases gradually and then allows a period of relaxation, inhibiting muscles from resisting and attempting to spasm.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves placing fine needles into various parts of the body to stimulate natural healing processes. Traditional acupuncturists use extensive evaluation and testing techniques to determine ailment locations.
Acupuncturists, chiropractors and physical therapists commonly use acupressure. The method involves applying concentrated deep massage directly to the tissues involved in the condition by using the thumbs and fingertips.
Time
Effective healing from any type of injury requires time. Numerous methods enhance the healing process without the need for bulging disc surgery.
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