Pain Associated with Bulging Discs

A bulging disc happens when the cartilage that is located between two spinal vertebrae juts out of the vertebrae. This is a problem that is very common among people who lift very heavy objects or those who pick heavy items up without bending at the knees and allowing the back to bear the brunt of the work during this exertion. Sometimes a budging disc may be the result of an accident that may have impacted the spinal column.

One of the most prominent symptoms of this condition is back pain as the displaced cartilage can put unnecessary stress on the surrounding nerve endings. Initially it is important to help patients of a bulging disc injury to minimize or reduce the pain so that they may not be incapacitated during periods of inflammation.

Reduce the Inflammation
A bulging disc is aggravated with physical activity so it is essential that you rest between periods of physical exertion. This is also the best way to prevent exacerbation of the injury. Within first 48 hours of pain onset, your focus should be in reducing the pain and inflammation that this will initially bring. To do so, applying ice on the injured area is recommended to promote vasoconstriction or narrowing of the blood vessels. Once the swelling has subsided, switch to the use of hot baths and heating pads to promote blood flow to the injury and start the process of healing.

Treat the Symptoms
Anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may help with managing the pain associated with a bulging disc. These medications minimize the results of prostaglandin and Cox-2, which is the body’s natural inflammatory response to any injury. For severe pain, your health care practitioner might prescribe a stronger drug like cortisone or steroids.

The herb Ilex has shown to also help in minimizing pain. This is an herb that is believed to reduce swelling and inflammation by relaxing the muscles and have analgesic properties. You just have to make sure that you first consult your doctor before taking these medications as they might interfere with the current medications that you are taking, if there are any. It is important to have your physician guide you through the use of medicines and treatment for any injury.

Time to Strengthen Muscles
Once the primary swelling associated with a bulging disc diminishes, physical activity in the form of light exercise is a very effective for strengthening the muscles around your injury. Exercise will promote the flow of blood to the injured area and will therefore promote healing. Greater elasticity in the tendons, ligaments and muscles of the back will also diminish the pain around the bulging disc. Some of the best kinds of exercise for lower back pain in Tampa include walking, swimming, stretching, low impact aerobics and regular stretching routines.

By combining these non surgical remedies for middle back pain you will begin to experience relief from the pain associated with a bulging disc. Especially if you have been suffering from it for some time; it would be best that you go to a chronic pain management center who may specialize in other options to help you deal with your back and joint pain in Tampa. Lightheadedness is a common side effect and perhaps a fall prevention program in Pinellas County may be recommended to avoid further complications of the bulging disc.