How To Fix A Bulging Disc In The Neck

Dr. Jonathan Hall

Dr. Hall is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon that specializes in treating patients that suffer from neck pain or back pain. He is able to perform minimally invasive spine surgery and the most complex procedures.

If you are suffering from a bulging disc in your neck, you may have a range of symptoms involving pain in the head, neck, shoulders, and back. These pains are often accompanied by numbness and tingling and a reduced range of motion. Muscle spasms and weakness are also common.

These symptoms may also appear as the result of a herniated disk in the neck – but there is a distinct difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc.

The cervical spine (the neck) is essentially the 7 upper-most vertebrae in the spinal column. Between these vertebrae lie discs which provide cushion and allow easy mobility.

Bulging discs sag and appear to protrude outward affecting the spinal cord. However, if a disc tears or has a rupture, the gel-like substance contained within each disc will escape into the area around the spinal column and aggravate the nerves that network the entire body.

Bulging discs are a common outcome of the human aging process. As we age, discs will deteriorate and begin to “bulge” through the vertebrae. Because we age slowly, the symptoms of bulging discs will onset gradually over time and usually, more than one disc is affected.

A herniated disc usually appears abruptly and is commonly caused by a combination of aging and acute injury. Because the discs degenerate as we age, just a minor strain or twist in your neck can lead to a tear or rupture in the disc.

Pain Management and Treatment

The pain resulting from bulging or herniated discs can come and go in intervals. It can also continue uninterrupted for months. A person may also have stressful flare-ups from time to time when engaging in certain activities or movements.

Sometimes symptoms will resolve themselves completely over time, even if the disc itself does not completely heal.

Conservative nonsurgical treatments are the first place to start. This includes restricting your activity, getting plenty of rest, taking various medications or supplements, steroid injections, physical therapy, visiting a chiropractor, massage therapy, and meditation. In addition, diet is an especially important component of a speedy recovery.

If your symptoms do not abate after trying conservative treatments, you will probably need to try more robust treatment options. Your physician may advise you to consider surgery.

You Can Benefit from Diet

Disc problems lead to restrictive mobility which can also lead to weight gain. Being overweight puts stress on your spine and hinders your movement and thereby slows the speed of your recovery.

It is a Catch-22 situation. On the one hand, prescribed exercise is important to strengthen muscles and cardiovascular health; a well-designed exercise regimen leads to your speediest chance of full recovery. On the other hand, in order to avoid pain and/or further damage to your discs, you will need to voluntarily avoid physical activities. This will cause you to gain weight if you do not adjust your diet accordingly.

Personal diet modifications can really help. Eating nutrient-rich and low-calorie foods can be an excellent help while you rehabilitate. Introducing new healthy and tasty foods can also open doors for you to hit the ground running when you recover your full mobility. You should consider modifying your diet while maintaining your stretching/exercise regimen.

Stretching Exercises Can Help With Bulging Disc Pain

There are several exercises and stretching techniques you can do to strengthen your muscles and manage some of the debilitating pain associated with disc problems.

However, the main thing is to do no further damage. You should consult your physician and a physical therapist beforehand. They will let you know which exercises are best suited for your situation so you can recover fully. Full recovery means you can live a full life.

Some exercises that have a good track record are:

Stability ball exercises
Shoulder-blade squeeze
Chin tucks
Trampoline exercises
Back extension
Knee-to-Chest Stretch

Do not overdo it. Use your physical limitations as a guide. Always be sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions and recommendations.

Finding the Right Treatment

Before treating a herniated or bulging disc in the cervical spine, your neurologist or neurosurgeon will need to conduct some tests. These tests help you decide the best route to take.

You will likely need one or more of the following:

MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Myelogram – Diagnostic imaging x-ray
CT Scan – X-ray with 2-dimensional images of your spine
Electromyography – Records the muscular activity in muscle tissue

Surgery Options

To repair a disc bulge or ruptured disc, a neurosurgeon will approach the problem from the front of the neck (anterior). In rare circumstances, the surgery will be performed from the back of the neck (posterior).

The following are the most common procedures:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)

ACDF surgery is performed by moving all muscles, vessels, and nerves to the side while the disc and the surrounding area are repaired. This may require a fusion of the affected vertebrae. Small metal plates and screws will be used to get the best stability.

Artificial Disc Replacement

As an addition to the ACDF, an artificial disc may be inserted into the damaged joint area in an artificial disc replacement. This disc mimics the natural motion of a real disc and will preserve motion. A fusion does not allow natural motion in the spine. These joints are similar to hip and knee joint implants. The outcomes from such surgery are similar.

Microendoscopic Discectomy

This procedure is minimally invasive. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the back of the neck. Small tubes are inserted and expanded to enlarge a tunnel to access the vertebrae. This allows access to the nerve root. An endoscope is often used thereby causing less muscle stress than a conventional discectomy.

Posterior Cervical Discectomy

The surgeon makes a 1-2 inch incision in the back of your neck. This is in order to expose the damaged portion of the disc and carefully remove it.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or a loved one have tried conservative treatment options but is still experiencing pain from a bulging or herniated disc, you should schedule a consultation with one of our professionals right away. The dedicated staff at Florida Surgery Consultants have years of experience treating bulging or herniated discs.

Schedule your consultation with the local spine experts today by calling us at (888) 411-6824 or fill out our contact form on the right side of the page.