If you’re dealing with neck pain, numbness and other symptoms, you may be suffering from a bulging disc in the neck. There are several important things you should know when dealing with this condition. For one thing, it’s vital to know what discs are and why yours may be bulging. It’s also important to learn about some of the bulging neck disc treatments a physical therapist can offer.
What is a disc?
A spinal disc is a structure that sits between two vertebrae in the spine. There are two parts that make up a disc. First, there’s a fibrous outer layer, and inside of this is a gel-like inner core. Discs are important to your back because they do several important jobs. They provide cushioning between vertebrae, and this is part of what allows the spine to bend and flex. Discs also act as spacers because they help maintain a precise gap between vertebrae, and it’s through this space that spinal nerves enter the spine.
Why is your disc bulging?
When a spinal disc becomes deformed, it’s said to be a bulging disc. This is an issue that often affects the discs in the neck, and the condition is also called a protruding disc. One reason protruding discs are common in the neck is it moves around a lot. It also supports a heavy weight in the form of your head. For these reasons, neck discs tend to become deformed as your body ages and the outer disc covering is worn thin. Also, imbalances in the shoulder, neck and back muscles can pull on the spine, and this can cause a disc to bulge.
How can physical therapy treat a bulging neck disc?
Surgery is one option to treat a bulging neck disc, but most people prefer to avoid surgery if at all possible. Physical therapy can offer people the opportunity to treat the symptoms of a deformed neck disc without resorting to surgery.
For example, manual therapy can help reduce tension in muscles that support the neck. The release of this tension can help return the spine to its normal position, and this can help relieve pressure on bulging discs and allow them to return to their normal form.
Targeted therapy exercises can also help with this condition. This is because such exercises help boost the strength of shoulder, back and neck muscles, and the increased strength allows them to better support your spine. This is a benefit for protruding neck discs because it helps them maintain the correct spacing between vertebrae. This can also help reduce nerve pinching that may be causing you pain.
Border Therapy Services is a team you can trust for your bulging neck disc treatment
In Horizon City and El Paso, Texas, and Las Cruces, New Mexico, Border Therapy Services has helped many people treat their bulging neck discs and other types of neck pain. To get you started, we’ll have you come into one of our clinics for a one-on-one screening. Then, we can help get you started on the road to recovery by building you a personalized treatment plan, and this plan can be designed to provide benefits like:
- Reduced pain
- Improved neck support
- Increased range of motion
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.