Table of Contents
What does a bulging cervical disc feel like?
If you have a herniated cervical disc, you may feel pain that radiates down your arm and possibly into your hand. You may also feel pain on or near your shoulder blade, and neck pain when turning your head or bending your neck. Sometimes you may have muscle spasms (meaning the muscles tighten uncontrollably).
What not to do with bulging cervical discs?
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.
Can a bulging cervical disc heal itself?
The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.
How painful is a bulging disc?
A bulging disc may have no pain at all because it has not reached a certain severity level, and this can make it difficult to identify the bulging disc symptoms before the condition becomes more severe. Most commonly, bulging discs create pressure points on nearby nerves which create a variety of sensations.
What will a doctor do for a bulging disc?
Injections. If rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy don’t help with your pain, your doctor can inject a steroid medicine into the space around your spinal nerve. This is called an epidural injection. The steroid can help bring down the swelling, help you move more easily, and ease pain from a herniated disk.
What are the symptoms of a disc bulge?
The location of the pain is a big telltale sign of bulging discs.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured cervical disc?
C6-C7 is a common site for a cervical herniated disc, also known as a protruded, ruptured, slipped or prolapsed disc. A large cervical disc herniation may compress the spinal cord, a condition termed cervical myelopathy. Symptoms often include leg weakness and numbness, which may cause walking difficulties.
What causes a bulging disc?
Causes of bulging discs. Spinal discs absorb a lot of wear and tear. Over time, they start to degenerate and weaken. Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of bulging discs, often resulting in spinal osteoarthritis. Other factors that can cause or contribute to bulging discs include: strain or injury.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured disc?
Upper back pain that may radiate to the lower back,abdomen,or legs