With a bulging disc, which can burst to become a “ruptured” or “herniated” disc, the outer shell has weakened enough to cause the disc to become abnormally shaped so it extends more to one side. The affected disc may also flatten to some degree. While you can have a bulging disc and never know it, this isn’t likely to be the case if the abnormally shaped spinal disc is irritating a nearby nerve. If you’re living with discomfort related to a bulging disc, here’s what to avoid to make your symptoms less disruptive.
Sitting for Long Periods
Sitting naturally places more stress on spinal discs in general, and more so when a disc is abnormally shaped. Keep discomfort related to a bulging disc in your lower back area in check by minimizing how long you sit. At the very least, make an effort to get up to stretch and move as much as possible. When you do have to sit for a while, it can be helpful to:
• Sit up straight
• Use a support pillow or rolled-up towel to ease spine and disc stress
• Set up your work area so you’re not excessively leaning or reaching
Motions or Movements Likely to Trigger Symptoms
Certain movements or motions may cause a bulging disc to become more noticeable. While the specific movements that trigger symptoms can vary, the ones that tend to be most problematic in terms of affecting bulging discs include:
• Excessive reaching or stretching
• Bending or twisting
• Repetitive movements, especially ones involving the lower spine
Also, avoid certain activities that tend to involve the motions and movements mentioned above if you have a bulging disc. Activities falling into this category could include lifting heavy laundry baskets or other objects and shoveling snow.
Strenuous Forms of Exercise
This doesn’t mean you should avoid exercise altogether. It’s still beneficial to strengthen the muscles that support your spine to minimize pressure directly placed on a spinal disc that’s already compromised. What you want to avoid is exercises that are too strenuous, like anything involving jumping, repetitive bending, or running on hard surfaces. Workout routines that overload your lower back should also be avoided, which means things like squat thrusts and leg presses. Instead, focus on light to moderate aerobic activities that include:
• Stationary bike use
• Casual walking
• Swimming and other activities done in water
Sleep Positions that Aren’t Spine Friendly
Certain sleep positions can aggravate a bulging disc. Avoid sleeping on your stomach because it could throw off your spine’s natural alignment and shift pressure to discs. Strategically placing pillows under or between your knees can also help you retain the natural alignment of your spine if you normally sleep on your back or side.
Not Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
One other thing to avoid if you have a bulging disc is not getting an accurate diagnosis. Image tests and other steps involved with diagnosing spine-related problems can determine if a bulging disc is really causing your symptoms or if there are other issues that may need to be addressed. Also, you’ll receive recommendations for herniated disc treatment that are more likely to help you experience welcome relief.
If you have a herniated disc that doesn’t respond to conservative care, a microdiscectomy may be the best option. Although this is generally a very successful procedure, having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation. A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients in a large study didn’t undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in the 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and doesn’t require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-288-7474.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.
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