Bulging disc symptoms can make day-to-day life difficult, and if you manage to get them under control, the last thing you want to do is suffer through a reoccurrence. Fortunately, there are steps you can take that will help you increase the likelihood that your back pain is a thing of the past.

Most of the time, a disc bulge is the result of constant pressure on a spinal disc that has weakened due to the body’s natural aging process. This pressure can cause the disc’s gel-like inner contents to push against the fibrous outer wall, resulting in a bulge that extends into the spinal canal. If this bulge compresses an adjacent nerve or the spinal cord, symptoms such as radiating pain, muscle weakness, tingling and numbness can result.

Many individuals experiencing painful bulging disc symptoms are able to find relief by following a treatment plan that strengthens the muscles supporting the spine and reduces the amount of pressure the damaged spinal disc endures. This can be accomplished by undertaking targeted strengthening exercises and a variety of lifestyle changes. Once these treatments have provided the level of symptom relief you are looking for, it is important that you avoid risk factors that could result in a reoccurrence of your bulging disc symptoms, including:

• Frequent bending or lifting
• Using poor posture
• Gaining excess weight
• Participating in high-impact sports
• Using tobacco products
• Excessive alcohol use

While following these steps can provide you with the best chance of avoiding future neck or back issues, there’s no guarantee that your bulging disc symptoms won’t return. If you’ve exhausted your conservative treatment options and are unable to find lasting relief, you may need to consider surgery. At USA Spine Care, we offer minimally invasive surgery to treat bulging discs that utilizes a less than 1-inch incision and muscle-sparing techniques, resulting in no lengthy recovery. If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for our outpatient procedures, we’ll be happy to provide you with a free MRI review.*

Contact USA Spine Care today to learn more about our minimally invasive approach to bulging disc treatment.