When people hear the phrase bulging disc they become concerned. Many think shots or surgery are or will be necessary. What you should know is bulging discs are common and do not necessarily mean anything bad.

If you are over 40, there is a good chance you have at least one. It is just a part of normal aging. But most do not live with or have ever dealt with back pain. The data on this is pretty clear and the older you get your chances of having them grow each decade of life. But again, most people will not have any issues.

Usually people find out they have one because an MRI was performed due to a person having back pain. And then a person’s doctor will tell them all the bad things and why they might need surgery.  Because of this current model of care, the view of bulging discs are bad is common…but it need not be.

Again, most over 40 have them. And chances are you probably lived with this “bulging disc” for years or longer well before you ever had back pain. So why then is a person’s current pain blamed on this structure? Great question.

Ok, so we know there is this bulging disc, is there anything that can be done without surgery? ABSOLUTELY 100% YES.

Any time a person has back pain, whether related to a disc issue or not, their FIRST call should be to a physical therapist. This muscle and joint expert will help you to improve your mobility, strength, coordination, and function…thus helping to reduce if not fully relieve your pain. The key is to not wait months or years before seeking out help. And then to adhere to the prescribed plan.

Too often people will improve with exercise, then stop doing their exercises. At some future point they will redevelop that back pain again. The next question is why did they stop? You don’t stop brushing your teeth just because you didn’t have a cavity at your last check up did you? Probably not.

Once you get on an exercise plan that reduces or eliminates your back pain, you need to keep up with it. Think about a set of daily exercises to help your back just like brushing your teeth. So the next time you hear someone talk about their “bulging disc” ask them…having you seen a physical therapist to help you out? If not, time to go.

If you are struggling with back pain from a bulging disc, then click the following LINK to connect with an expert today who can help reduce/eliminate your pain.