A bulging disc in the neck occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc protrudes into the spinal cord. This can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back.
Certain exercises or stretches can ease pressure on the spine and reduce symptoms. A physical therapist can guide people through these exercises.
Taking pain medications can also help reduce discomfort. If these treatments are not effective, surgery is another option.
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To maintain their flexibility, a connective disc separates each vertebra. These spinal discs are made up of strong elastic tissues. Each disc contains a soft inner substance with a surrounding outer layer, which maintains the structure of the disc.
When the spine bends or rotates, the spinal discs allow for smooth movement between each adjacent vertebrae and reduce friction between the bones.
When the tough outer portion of the disc weakens, it is possible for the gel-like center of the spinal discs to bulge outwards into the spinal canal.
In more severe cases, it can lead to a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when a tear in the outer layer of the disc allows the inner substance to leak into the spinal canal.
The causes of bulging or herniated discs include sudden or long-term trauma. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service notes that a bulging disc in the neck can develop because of:
- exercising too hard
- lifting heavy objects the wrong way
- sitting down for long periods of time
- driving for long periods of tie
- a lack of physical activity
- having overweight or obesity
Aging also increases the risk of a bulging or herniated disc. Over time, spinal discs can weaken and become more vulnerable to injury.
It is possible for a bulging disc to occur without any symptoms. In other cases, however, the disc presses on a nerve in the neck. This can cause:
- pain in the neck, shoulders, and back
- pain when moving
- numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms, or fingers
- a reduced range of motion
- muscle weakness
The severity of the symptoms will depend on how much pressure there is on the nerve. The symptoms often worsen during activity and improve when resting.
Alongside medication and other pain management techniques, doctors or a physical therapist may suggest some exercises.
A physical therapist will also help improve posture and form when lifting objects and walking. This may include ensuring that the back is straight when bending the knees to lift an object from the ground.
Exercises for a bulging disc in the neck tend to involve a mix of gentle stretches and muscle-strengthening exercises. Examples include:
Head tilt
To perform this exercise, a person can:
- Tilt their head toward their shoulder.
- Gently tense the neck muscles and hold this position for 5 seconds.
- Return the head to the center and repeat on the other side.
Head turn
To perform this exercise, a person can:
- Turn their head toward one side.
- Gently tense the neck muscles and hold this position for 5 seconds.
- Return the head to the center and repeat on the other side.
If a person finds this uncomfortable to do while sitting or standing, they can try this exercise lying down.
Alongside physical therapy and exercises, a doctor may also suggest anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Taking pain relief medication can help reduce discomfort in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. These are typically over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics.
If physical therapy and painkillers do not relieve or stop symptoms, a person may require surgery.
A bulging disc in the neck occurs when the tough outer part of the disc weakens and causes the inner gel-like center to protrude. This can lead to a herniated disc, wherein damage causes the inner substance of the disc to leak out. Both conditions can cause pain in the neck.
Physical therapy and exercises can help treat a bulging disc in the neck. This will include a mixture of gentle neck stretches and exercises to strengthen the neck and surrounding muscles.
A range of other treatments, such as pain medication and surgery, are also available.
