Bulging disks in the neck occur when a disk weakens and begins to move out of place. The severity of a bulging disk in the neck depends on how it affects the surrounding nerves. It causes neck pain in most adults, so it’s important to diagnose it early and receive proper treatment to manage its symptoms and prevent further complications. In this article, we’ll cover bulging disk symptoms, causes, treatment, and exercises.
What is a Bulging Disk?
Disks consist of strong elastic tissue. They provide cushioning and flexibility between the vertebrae in the spine. When they weaken, and the outer layer of the disk sticks out, this is known as a bulging disk.
Bulging disks often encroach on the spinal cord. This can cause nerve pain or pain that shows up in other areas of the body, especially the shoulders, back, arms, and hands. Bulging disks can cause chronic pain and reduce mobility, but there are many non-surgical treatments for bulging disks that can relieve pain and restore mobility and strength.
Symptoms of a Bulging Disk in the Neck
The signs of a bulging disk depend on the severity of the damage and the disk’s location. Some of the common symptoms of a bulging disk in the neck are as follows:
1. Neck Pain
A bulging disk in your neck often compresses spinal nerves, leading to neck pain. Depending on the location and level of displacement, the pain can be sharp, dull, persistent, or intermittent. You may also feel pain in your shoulders and back.
2. Pain with Movement
Certain movements or positions may make the pain in your neck worse. This may include lifting heavy objects, turning your neck in one direction, or sleeping in a certain position.
3. Weakness and Stiffness
A cervical degenerative disk condition presses one or more nerves of the spinal cord, causing pain and stiffness in the neck. The condition also causes numbness, weakness, and stiffness in the neck, arm, shoulder, and hand due to pain. This may cause other muscles in the arms or shoulders to weaken or reduce your range of motion.
Causes of a Bulging Disk in Your Neck
Bulging disks in the neck are mostly caused by aging-related problems. However, there are other different causes, some of which include:
1. Degenerative Disk Disease
As part of the natural aging process, your disks experience dehydration, loss of disk height, and changes in structure. These conditions cause the disks to degenerate and place excessive load on your facet joints. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek physical therapy to prevent bulging disks in your neck as you age.
2. Injury or Trauma
If you have ever had an accident, fall, or injury, it may have caused a sudden and forceful impact on the disk. The hyperflexion and hyperextension caused by these incidents can lead to a bulging disk in the neck. Sometimes, accidents cause trauma or injury that leads to a change in posture, causing a bulging disk in the neck.
3. Poor Posture
If you continuously have bad posture, this can create constant pressure on the disk and weaken its structure, leading to a bulging disk.
4. Repetitive Strain
Repetitive strains and injuries in the neck accumulate over time and lead to a weakened disk structure. It’s important to identify and prevent these strains on time, or else they can cause bulging disks in the neck. Repetitive strain is most common in certain occupations that involve heavy lifting and repetitive movements.
Treatments for a Bulging Disk in Your Neck
Receiving treatment quickly for a bulging disk in the neck is important to help it improve and not cause chronic pain. The proper treatment helps patients identify the underlying factors and prevent the condition from getting worse. Some of the most effective treatments for a bulging disk in the neck include:
Physical Therapy and Exercises
If you have a bulging disk, physical therapy and exercises are necessary to strengthen and support the muscles around the spine. Effective physical therapy can help reduce unnecessary pressure on the spinal column. Some of the most effective therapies and exercises include the following:
- Shoulder squeezes and mobility stretches
- Lifestyle modifications
- Cervical chin tucks
- A mini trampoline workout
Ice/Heat Therapy
If you have inflammation or swelling in your neck’s bulging disk, we suggest you apply ice to reduce the pain. However, if you need to relax the neck to enable efficient blood flow, apply a heated pad to reduce muscle tension. Ice/heat therapy increases flexibility, helps to manage pain, and leads to a healthier lifestyle.
Cervical Manipulation
Trained healthcare professionals use specialized techniques to adjust the cervical spine in the neck area. This procedure adjusts the seven vertebrae of the spinal column, reducing pain and improving mobility. Cervical manipulation is one of the most effective healing processes and boosts blood flow.
Neck Immobilization
Neck immobilization stabilizes the cervical spine and reduces additional movements that cause injuries. Limiting neck movement also reduces pain and discomfort. However, the duration of the immobilization should be determined based on the patient’s condition.
Traction
The healthcare provider lightly pulls your head during the traction process to create a suitable space between your neck’s bones. If you’re seeking temporary pain relief for your bulging disk’s pain, it’s one of the most suitable treatment options. Bulging disks have different conditions, so before starting traction, it’s important to know if they’re suitable for your case or not.
Visit a Physical Medicine Doctor
If you suspect that you have a bulging disk, visiting a healthcare professional is the best way to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan. Dr. Daryl Robinson, MD, is your best option for holistic pain management in Oklahoma City. Our team combines a variety of pain management and treatment methods to help you avoid surgery and live pain-free.
What Exercises are Good for A Bulging Disk in the Neck?
Here are some of the best exercises to strengthen your neck and increase mobility:
1. Neck Stretches
Neck stretches, such as chin tucks, side bends, and rotations, alleviate muscle pain and improve flexibility. They also enhance neck blood flow and deliver nutrients to an injured disk, assisting the healing process.
2. Strengthening Exercises
Some strengthening exercises, such as isometric neck exercises and scapular retraction, reduce the stress and load on bulging disks. They also reduce pain, prevent swelling, provide support and stability, and improve overall posture. These exercises help to protect your nerves and reduce pain.
3. Mobility Exercises
Mobility exercises improve your spine’s range of motion and reduce stiffness. However, it’s important to perform these exercises gently without putting additional stress on your spine. Mobility exercises enhance your movement and reduce muscle tension and inflammation.
4. Posture and Ergonomics
If you have ever experienced or are still experiencing a bulging disk, it’s time to improve your posture while moving, sitting, or standing. If your spine is not properly aligned, specifically if you sit or drive for long periods of time, you may make your neck pain worse. To get rid of these issues or prevent them, focus on developing better posture and an ergonomic workspace.
Conclusion
Bulging disks can cause injury, discomfort, and disk degeneration and impact daily activities. It’s important to identify the symptoms, understand the underlying causes, and receive treatment on time to prevent further complications. Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management is the right service provider to treat bulging disks in the neck. Our pain management doctor provides reliable physical therapy and treatment to modify your lifestyle, improve mobility, and alleviate pain. Contact us for a free consultation today!