Overall, can a bulging disk in the spine heal itself or will surgery be needed?

Question

When I sit down, it takes forever to get back up. I don't have medical insurance for surgery. Can I get by on Advil,etc.? Help!

Answer 1

First and foremost have a examination by a medical doctor. Chiropractic care for a herniated disk, depending on severity, can actually make the condition worse. A bulging or "herniated" disk can be treated in other ways than surgery up to a point. Many people have success with epidural steroid injections, however these are expensive if not covered by insurance. I'm assuming that the disk problem is in the lumbar region. The best thing you can do right now is work on building your "core muscles". These are the muscles that encircle the lower back and abdomen and are primarily responsible for keeping your spine in a healthy position. Working with an inflatible exercise ball works very well for this. You should consult a physical therapist to learn the best exercises with the ball for your problem.

Answer 2

Unfortunately a bulging disc will not get better without medical intervention. Occasionally steroid injections may help to shrink the bulge. Otherwise, surgical intervention may be necessary. You can take over the counter anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Aleve, Tylenol or Motrin which may help with some of the pain and inflammation but please be aware that disc bulges usually get worse over time and can cause more serious and potentially long term issues such as neuropathies.

If you choose to seek care from a chiropractor, DO NOT allow them to manipulate anywhere around the disc bulge. They can make the bulging worse. Any chiropractor worth their salt will rule out a bulging disc regardless and avoid the area but unfortunately, I've seen first hand too many that did not.

Answer 3

Having been in the same situation and still suffering from it,be prepared for the long hall.I was taking 800mg ibuprofen 3 times a day along with a host of other pain killers and muscle relaxers and didnt really help.I had surgery 3 months ago and guess what.Im still in pain.Ive physical therapy and still hurt.I learned the hard way that surgery isnt a guarantee that you wont feel pain again.Its a little more tolerable than it was before however.$30,000 and the surgeon wanted his money up front.Try some PT exercises and stretches.They may alleviate somewhat.

Answer 4

I'd see a chiropractor, if you could. Most of the time, something like a bulging disk can be fixed without surgery. It depends on how bad it is, but a single visit to a chiropractor could give you some answers. It shouldn't cost a ridiculous amount, and you might be able to avoid surgery.

You could look on medical websites, such as http://www.webmd.com to find out more. Just type in 'bulging disk' in their search bar.

Answer 5

it really all depends on where the bulging disk is in your back. Have you had this checked by a Dr? I have a bulging disk in my neck but so far do not have to have surgery but I do have to watch how I turn my head. Your disk may rupture if pressure is applied as in your low back at lumbar level. If you haven't seen a doctor I would recommend it. Your spine and back can have so my complications when you injure it. My advice, do NOT go to a chiropractor but a regular doctor.

Answer 6

Hey I have same problem. They will wait till you are almost paralyzed before surgery. Yes start with Ibuprofen the alieve later. Take max dose for a day every day your life. Never stop. This should hold down inflammation. If you have upset stomach take two tums with each pill. Now these meds will cause hard dry stools. Yes you can take stool softeners with this everyday.No laxatives, stool softeners are safe for everyday use. Good Luck. You might move to a state that helps folk out like Texas,or California. If you are here in the South you are screwed.Chiropractors screwed me up.Stay away.

Answer 7

Well, my friend had a bulging disk in her neck, so she went to physical therapy for a few weeks. It helped her a lot. She hardly ever hurts anymore, and she didn't have to suffer surgery.

Answer 8

you need to have a dr look at it and have x-rays on the back and you might just need to have surgery on the disk and it hurts all the time get to the er room as soon as possible. or you could wake up one morning to find out that you cant walk.

Answer 9

Two of my patients have got spinal surgery in India.One was treeated for spondylolistheis by spinal fusion and the other for disc protrusion by microdiscectomy.Both of them are very happy with the results.Their pain and other symptoms due to nerve compression have totally gone.

Spinal Surgery is very cheap in India.There is one company that is very famous in India that arranges spine surgery for foreigners in India.They are called the Forerunners Healthcare.I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and about their patient stories.I have also read that they arrange financing for american and canadian patients as spine surgery is not covered by insurance.They also have photos pasted of their International patients.You can checkout their website.

The cost savings are incredible.As a doctor i personally believe that your spine surgery can be easily handled in India as the quality of healthcare available here is simply best in the world.The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.both my patients had gone to India through the forerunners healthcare company.The spinal fusion patient stayed in INdia for about 20 days and the microdiscectomy patient for about a week.hope this helps

Answer 10

The only thing that helped me was physical therapy. Aleve might be a better medicine.

I learned a lot about spinal problems and spinal care from www.webmd.com.