Bulging disc (also known as a slipped disc or disc herniation) is a common condition in which one or more vertebral discs protrude into the spinal column, compressing the nerves and causing pain, discomfort, limited mobility, and other unwanted symptoms. The good news is that most minor cases of bulging discs heal within just a couple weeks. The bad news, however, is that some of the more severe cases may persist indefinitely, becoming progressively worse without treatment.
What About Anti-Inflammatory Drugs?
While you can usually mask the pain – at least temporarily – with anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen, this doesn’t treat the underlying cause of bulging disc. Many over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can damage the stomach and liver. Each year, tens of thousands of people have to seek medical treatment for problems associated with the use of these drugs.
How Massage Therapy Can Help
A safer and more effective treatment option for bulging disc is massage therapy. Going back to the basic anatomy of this condition, bulging disc occurs when the vertebral disc pushes against the spinal column. Normally, there’s a soft, sponge-like cartilage separating the disc and spinal column. But when enough force is exerted on the cartilage, it may cause the disc to touch the spinal column, resulting in the condition known as a bulging disc.
Massage therapy can offer relief of bulging disc by treating the condition at its roots. Rather than masking the pain and symptoms with prescription pills, you can treat the underlying cause with massage therapy. A professional massage therapist can manipulate the vertebral disc, guiding back and away from the spinal column. Once the disc is back to its normal location, the pressure against the spinal column will subside, causing the pain associated with it to go away as well.
If you are thinking about seeking massage therapy for the treatment of your bulging disc, be sure to let the therapist know during your initial consultation. This will allow him or her to focus their techniques on the appropriate area, increasing the chance of a positive outcome. There are other treatment options available for bulging disc as well, such as spinal cord decompression and spinal adjustments.
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