What is a Bulging Disk and How Can Physical Therapy Help?
A bulging disk is one of the most common causes of back pain. What is a bulging disk, and how can physical therapy help?
The human spine includes 24 vertebrae with a rubbery, cushioned disk between each one. Your bulging disk may be from an accident, overuse, or age. A bulging disk may occur anywhere within the spine, but most often, the bulging occurs in the lower back.
A bulging disk looks like a deflated balloon and it sags. The disk bulges outwards.
Here are five indicators of a bulging disk:
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- You experience chronic pain while sitting
- Often, pain radiates into your leg, especially while lifting, twisting, or sitting
- Daily activities aggravate and increase pain
- Your arms or legs are numb or tingle
- Many with a bulging disk experience weakness in either their arms or legs
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The Good News
Most often, relieving the pain and symptoms of a bulging disk does not include surgery. Physical therapy is the first step to recovery.
After four to twelve weeks of physical therapy, followed by at-home exercises, most experience pain relief, and improved mobility.
Bulging Disk: How Can Physical Therapy Help?
A Therapy Network professional will complete a thorough assessment of the location of pain, mobility, reflexes, and strength in your arms and legs. Your TTN physical therapy specialist will create a personalized PT plan that may include the following:
Appointments Available Today
If you are wondering “what is a bulging disk and how can physical therapy help?”, it is time to schedule an appointment
In Virginia, you do not need a physician’s referral to visit a physical therapy professional. The Therapy Network has appointments available today at our locations in coastal Virginia, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake.