Coping With a Bulging Disc in the Neck

A bulging disc in the neck can cause many symptoms, including pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling, which can be exceptionally difficult to cope with at times. Seeing a doctor to diagnose your neck condition is the first step in alleviating symptoms. During the diagnostic process, your doctor will perform a series of tests to come to an accurate conclusion about what is causing your symptoms and possibly how the condition came about. Upon diagnosing you with a bulging disc in the neck, your doctor will also provide helpful advice to help you deal with your condition, including tips for healthy living and how to maintain a healthy spine.

Persistence and Perseverance

After your diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This will likely consist of some combination of light exercise and stretching, physical therapy, bed rest, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These treatment methods have been known to minimize the symptoms associated with a bulging disc in the neck. However, results should not be expected overnight. Persistence and perseverance are key to a healthy recovery, and over time, you may notice that your symptoms improve. And, it is especially important to strictly adhere to the treatments suggested by your doctor, as any deviation from this can actually exacerbate your condition.

When the Symptoms Stick Around

If conservative treatments for the bulging disc in your neck prove ineffective, you may wish to see your doctor and ask about additional treatment methods. Your doctor may order and review an MRI or CT scan to determine if you are a candidate for surgery. Surgery is reserved for a small percentage of patients with a bulging disc, but if your symptoms persist after a few weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment, surgery may prove to be the next course of action for you.