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how to rehab bulging cervical disc

by Mrs. Noemie Sauer MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Many other treatments may provide some relief from a cervical herniated disc, such as:
  • Ice or heat therapy. Applying ice for 15 or 20 minutes at a time may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Some people may find applying heat ...
  • Cervical traction. A mechanical device is strapped to the head and used to gently lift upward and stretch the cervical spine. The goal is to reduce ...
  • Massage therapy. A gentle massage may provide some relief by helping to loosen muscles, increase blood flow, and promote relaxation. If a massage ...

Stand tall with your head facing forward and shoulders pulled back. Then lightly bend your head down until you feel a moderate stretch in the neck. If you're going for a deeper stretch, tuck the chin a bit more. Hold the stretch for about 2 seconds and then return to your starting position.Jun 28, 2018

Full Answer

What is the best treatment for bulging discs?

Aug 13, 2021 · These exercises can work as a treatment for bulging disc in the neck. Stretching Exercises to Heal the Pain. These workouts and stretches can help to manage a bulging disc's pain. Shoulder Stretch– Try a shoulder stretch to improve your position, which might have been worse by the bulging disc. Although it may seem nearly too simple, the fixation of your posture …

What is a good treatment for a bulging disc problem?

Although they can be painful, bulging discs can often be treated at home. We'll show you the home treatments and exercises you can do yourself to help alleviate your pain while you recover. Learn to recognize the symptoms of a disc bulge....

What are the treatment options for a bulging disc?

Spinal decompression therapy, a form of intermittent spinal traction, can also help reduce symptoms of a bulging disc and provide pain relief for longer periods of time. Traction tables can help stretch and open spinal joints to take pressure off the affected disc, which helps the bulge return to its central position between adjacent vertebrae.

Is there a cure for a bulging disc?

Physical therapy can also be used to treat the symptoms of a bulging disc, but it can be painful and uncomfortable. Massage, heat, ultrasound or electric stimulation can be used by a PT to relieve pain. As a last resort, doctors may recommend spinal fusion. This type of surgery fuses two or more discs of the spinal cord together.

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Can you fix a cervical bulging disc?

ACDF surgery is the most common method among spine surgeons for treating a cervical herniated disc. In this surgery, the disc is removed through a small one-inch incision in the front of the neck. After removing the disc, the disc space itself is set up for the adjacent vertebrae to eventually grow together and fuse.

How long does a bulging cervical disc take to heal?

It is common for the pain to come and go, or have particularly bad flare-ups during certain activities. When neck and/or arm pain stems from a herniated disc, the symptoms typically resolve completely within 4 to 6 months, even though the disc itself may not heal.

How can I reduce cervical disc bulge?

Conservative treatment is also called nonoperative management. It includes rest and medications and is often enough to heal a bulging cervical disc. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are the first-line prescription medications for a bulging disc.

How do you heal a bulging cervical disc naturally?

Many other treatments may provide some relief from a cervical herniated disc, such as:Ice or heat therapy. Applying ice for 15 or 20 minutes at a time may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. ... Cervical traction. ... Massage therapy.

What is the fastest way to heal a bulging disc?

How to heal a herniated disc quicklyAlternate applying heat and cold.Stay as active as you can. Take walks to avoid becoming too stiff from resting too often.Try alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic.Jan 27, 2022

How do you treat a bulging c5 c6?

This treatment will likely involve being prescribed medication such as steroids for inflammation, injections, physical therapy, disc surgery, or spinal-fusion surgery. These treatment forms do little to address the condition's underlying cause, often offer only short-term pain relief, and are invasive.

How should I sleep with a bulging disc in my neck?

The optimal sleeping position for a herniated disc is on your back. Lying on your back keeps your spine in a neutral position so you have less chance of pinching the nerve. For added comfort, nestle a small pillow or rolled-up towel under your knees and lower back.Jan 21, 2021

Can disc bulge be reversed?

A disc bulge is treatable & reversible without surgery with NSD Therapy®. NSD Therapy® is CSC's breakthrough spine treatment method empowered by advanced technology.

How do I strengthen my C5 C6?

How to perform a side-to-side head rotation in a lying down position:Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.Move your chin toward your right shoulder. ... Hold this position for 20 seconds.Move your chin toward your left shoulder. ... Hold for 20 seconds.Repeat 3 to 5 times on each side.

How can I exercise with a bulging disc?

You don't need to endure an intense cardio program or lift heavy weights—simple stretching and aerobic exercises can effectively control your herniated disc pain. Stretching programs like yoga and Pilates improve strength and flexibility, and offer relief of acute pain in your leg and low back.Jul 16, 2019

Can you lift weights with a bulging disc?

Is it safe to lift weights with a herniated disc? The short answer is yes. Exercise is not only recommended – it's required to help retrain the muscles in your back. After local back pain is controlled and minimized, you should focus on reloading your spine with light activity in order to relearn how to move properly.Nov 13, 2019

Can a chiropractor fix a bulging disc in neck?

If you are in pain because of a herniated or bulging disc, chiropractic treatment can ease some pressure on your disc. Decompression strategies such as stretching and traction are used to open up the space between your vertebrae. You will be taught strengthening exercises to keep your spine in alignment.Mar 4, 2020

How to fix a bulging disc?

Shoulder Stretch – To improve posture that may have worsened due to the bulging disc, try a shoulder stretch. While it may seem almost too simple, fixing your posture can play a significant role in relieving pain and pressure in the cervical region, as well as relaxing the shoulders and upper back.

How to protect your neck from a bulging disc?

To protect the neck, you’ll want to avoid any exercises that may shock the cervical spine, such as weightlifting. Avoid other exercise or activities that require you to bend forward or use your arms or shoulders in front of your body, which could potentially irritate the bulging disc.

How to stretch your shoulders at home?

If you’re at home, try using a mirror to ensure you’re maintaining proper posture during the exercise. Stand tall with your head facing forward and shoulders pulled back.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

The term bulging disc is often incorrectly used interchangeably with herniated disc: A bulging disc is when a disc flattens and extends past the normal space of the bones in the spine (vertebrae). A herniated disc is when damage to the disc’s outer ring (annulus fibrosus) occurs , causing the interior, gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) ...

How to stretch your back and shoulders?

Start by holding your hands together behind your back, interlacing your fingers. Slowly lift your locked hands up, and stop when you feel a good stretch at the very front of your shoulders. Hold the stretch for about 10-15 seconds, and then gently unwind back to how you started.

How to stretch your neck?

Stand tall with your head facing forward and shoulders pulled back. Then lightly bend your head down until you feel a moderate stretch in the neck. If you’re going for a deeper stretch, tuck the chin a bit more. Hold the stretch for about 2 seconds and then return to your starting position. Repeat 10 times.

How to get a sprained shoulder?

Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart, back straight, chin slightly tucked and arms hanging loosely at your sides. Gradually pull your shoulders back and bring your shoulder blades together until you feel a mild pull. Hold the position for about 10 seconds .

How to treat a bulging disc?

Physical therapy can also be used to treat the symptoms of a bulging disc, but it can be painful and uncomfortable. Massage, heat, ultrasound or electric stimulation can be used by a PT to relieve pain. As a last resort, doctors may recommend spinal fusion.

What is C5 C6 disc bulging?

C5 C6 Disc Bulging: All You Need to Know. The spinal cord serves as the communication point of the body’s central nervous system by carrying signals from the brain to the peripheral nerves. When disc problems such as C5 C6 disc bulging occur in the cervical spine, it can create pressure on the nerve roots next to the spinal cord, ...

When was the CLEAR method developed?

The CLEAR method was developed and has been in practice since 2000. It was created to provide scoliosis patients with options alternative to surgery, medications, injections, and other uncomfortable methods of treating scoliosis.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

Although the words are often used interchangeably, they are actually different. A protruding disc is considered herniated when a rupture or tear is present.

Can a C5 disc bulge?

Whether you’re dealing with C5 and C6 discs bulging from scoliosis, poor posture, or another cause, it is best to get evaluated by a trained expert, such as a CLEAR-certified chiropractor. Modern medical procedures are costly and often cause permanent side effects. The CLEAR method produces consistent results with little to no side effects.

What is the pain in the neck and arms?

Pain in the neck, arms, hands or shoulders. Pins and needles or numbness in the neck, arms, hands, or shoulders. Muscle spasms or weakness. Discomfort in the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. The C5 C6 segments in the spine are frequently referred to as the stress vertebrae because they support most of the weight from the neck and head.

What is spinal cord surgery?

This type of surgery fuses two or more discs of the spinal cord together. It can help to reduce the pain and physical alterations of the problem, but it will partially limit the patient for life. This type of surgery can have many types of complications such as infections, nerve damage, or even death.

Can a bulging disc be treated?

For many patients, these options are enough to help control bulging disc symptoms. Most doctors view surgery to treat a bulging disc as a last resort because it is such an invasive process, requiring a large muscle-tearing incision, overnight hospitalization and a long recovery period.

Can a bulging disc cause neck pain?

Upon diagnosing a bulging disc as the source of neck pain, back pain or radiating pain in the extremities, doctors will usually begin with a course of conservative treatments. Since a bulging disc can improve with time, initial treatment is generally aimed at pain management while the progress of the condition is monitored.

Is it painful to have a bulging disc?

While a bulging disc is not necessarily painful, nerve compression can result if displaced disc material causes narrowing of any ...

How to treat a herniated disc?

Treatment of a herniated disc Include: 1 Manual therapy Spinal manipulation, mobilization, and massage. 2 Exercise therapy and Posture re-education- working on correcting posture and postural strength is generally the first line approach in that it can tackle one of the possible root causes of the pain. It can provide good results with minimal investment (See exercises below).. 3 Traction – This can decompress the spine and can provide relief. 4 Ice Therapy/Heat Therapy. Usually in the beginning ice therapy is recommended to reduce inflammation.

What is the name of the disc that protrudes from the neck?

A Herniated cervical disc is when the inner material (aka nucleus pulposus) from one of the discs in the neck protrudes or makes it way out of the disc’s outer protective layer (aka annulus fibrosus) and pinches on the nerves in the neck – This can cause painful symptoms (but not always). The most common levels of cervical disk herniation are C5-6 ...

What is the purpose of deep neck flexors?

This exercise will help to improve the strength of the deep neck flexors (front of the neck muscles), helping to reduce forward head and rounded shoulders posture (Upper Crossed Syndrome).

How to stretch your neck?

How to do it: – Sit at the back of a chair with an upright posture while holding a towel wrapped around your neck. – Now stretch your spine up and over the back of your chair. – Keep tension in the towel, to support your neck. – Do 5-10 Extensions.

What happens if you don't fix your posture?

If you don’t fix your upper back posture and daily habits, you condition may not improve, and could even get worse. Check out this article to learn the 10 steps to a proper sitting posture.

How to release PECs?

How to do it: – Come close to a wall and stretch one arm behind you with the palm on the wall. – Now lean forward and slightly away from the extended arm. – Feel the stretch in your chest area. – Hold for 30 seconds.

How to get rid of a swollen arm?

Begin standing with a good posture. Holding a resistance band (level of resistance you use depends on your individual strength level) with both hands, straighten your elbows and bring your arms out in front of you. While keeping your elbows locked, slowly move your arms out and back behind your body.

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Stretches & Exercises That May Help A Bulging Disc in The Neck

  1. Learn to recognize the symptoms of a disc bulge. They can include muscle weakness, loss of mobility or acute pain in the neck. There may also be numbness, tingling or sharp pains radiating down the neck and into the arm, shoulder or hand, because the bulge is being compressed into the nerve.[1] X Research source
  2. Ice your neck immediately after the pain occurs. This has been shown to reduce swelling an…
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Exercises to Avoid

References

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These exercises and stretchesmay help manage pain from a bulging disc. 1. Shoulder Stretch – To improve posture that may have worsened due to the bulging disc, try a shoulder stretch. While it may seem almost too simple, fixing your posture can play a significant role in relieving pain and pressure in the cervical reg…
See more on cervicaldisc.com

Disclaimer

  • To protect the neck, you’ll want to avoid any exercises that may shock the cervical spine, such as weightlifting. Avoid other exercise or activities that require you to bend forward or use your arms or shoulders in front of your body, which could potentially irritate the bulging disc. If exercising combined with other conservative treatments are not helping your condition, surgery may be an …
See more on cervicaldisc.com

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