How long can you go with a bulging disc?

Most disc bulges resolve in 6-8 weeks, but it can take longer depending on the size of the bulge (i.e. if the bulge is hitting the nerve behind it like described above).

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How long can a disc stay bulged?

The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.

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What happens if a bulging disc goes untreated?

The pressure that a bulging disc applies to your nerves can cause your nerves to misfire, especially if the area develops a pinched nerve. You can experience tingling, numbness, acute and chronic pain, and even nerve damage if your condition is left untreated.

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When should I be worried about a bulging disc?

Bladder incontinence can occur because of a bulging disc compressing the nerves that control the bladder. In this case, seek emergency medical help immediately. Upper back pain radiating to the stomach or chest may be a symptom of a mid-spine bulging disc. Muscle spasms may also occur with any bulging disc.

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Can a bulging disc get worse over time?

Do disc bulges get worse over time? Unfortunately if disc bulges are left untreated, and if the abnormal spinal stresses that caused them continue, they will often worsen over time. For the disc bulge or herniated disc to have any possibility of recovery, the instigating stress must be minimized.

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Bulging Disc Recovery Time: How Long Does It Take?

18 related questions found

Can you have a bulging disc for years?

Disc bulges are not permanent. The disc is a fluid filled structure and therefore has the capacity to heal, resolve and be re-absorbed.

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Is L4 L5 disc bulge serious?

An L4-L5 disc bulge or slip-disc (slipped disc) pinches and leads to serious health issues, including impotence, reproduction issues, infertility, loss of bowel and bladder control, or paralysis in one or both legs.

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What will a doctor do for a bulging disc?

In nearly all cases, surgeons can remove just the protruding portion of the disk. Rarely, the entire disk must be removed. In these cases, the vertebrae might need to be fused with a bone graft. To allow the process of bone fusion, which takes months, metal hardware is placed in the spine to provide spinal stability.

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Is it OK to work with a bulging disc?

In summary, someone with a disc herniation should at all times avoid any heavy lifting, any sudden pressure on the back, or repetitive strenuous activities when recovering from a herniated disc. All exercises that cause pain, or feel as though they are making the pain worse, should be avoided.

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Is it OK to walk with a bulging disc?

Generally speaking—as long as they're performed correctly—core and back exercises are beneficial for bulging discs, as are activities like walking, elliptical exercise, swimming, and riding a stationary or regular bike.

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Can you become paralyzed from a bulging disc?

With a herniated disc, the capsule cracks or breaks, and the nucleus squeezes out. This can irritate the spinal cord or nearby nerves, causing weakness and numbness in the arms or legs. A severely herniated disc can cause paralysis.

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Do bulging discs ever fully heal?

Most (80-90%) cases involving bulging or herniated discs will heal within 2-4 months, depending on the severity of the injury, as well as your age and overall health.

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Should I go to ER for bulging disc?

If your disc-related symptoms are debilitating and consistent, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Unless your symptoms are immediately severe or potentially life-threatening, you will likely be advised to try nonsurgical treatments for several months.

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Can a bulging disc take 6 months to heal?

The good news is that most cases of lumbar disc herniation do not require surgery! Long-standing evidence suggests that pain associated with a herniated disc often diminishes without surgical treatment within 4-6 months.

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What worsens a bulging disc?

The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.

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Is it better to stand or sit with a bulging disc?

Sitting for long periods is not advised if you suffer from a herniated disc. It places more stress on your spinal discs, worsening the pain. You can maintain comfort by regularly moving around or standing up from your seat.

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How should I sit with a bulging disc?

Sitting. Sitting for long periods of time isn't ideal for people with a herniated disc. A standing desk is a great option, but if you must sit, rest your spine firmly against the chair back, sit up straight, and don't slouch (which strains the spinal ligaments and aggravates a herniated disc).

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At what point does a bulging disc require surgery?

Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven't helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.

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What should I avoid with a bulging disc?

What Activities Should I Avoid with a Herniated Disk?
  • Avoid lifting heavy objects or bending at the waist at any time.
  • Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. ...
  • Focus on workouts that strengthen your abdomen and core muscles. ...
  • Avoid smoking as it weakens your disks.
  • Practice good posture while sitting, standing, and walking.

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How do you prevent a bulging disc from getting worse?

But you can reduce your risk by:
  1. Using proper lifting techniques. Don't bend at the waist. ...
  2. Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back.
  3. Practicing good posture. ...
  4. Stretching. ...
  5. Avoiding wearing high-heeled shoes. ...
  6. Exercising regularly. ...
  7. Stopping smoking.

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What is Stage 4 bulging disc?

Stage 4: Herniated Disc

In the case of a herniated or sequestrated disc, fragments from both the annulus and nucleus have broken through the posterior longitudinal ligament into the epidural space. The fragments are now outside the segment compressing most of the spinal nerve.

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How long does it take to recover from a L4-L5 disc bulge?

Self care: In most cases, the pain from a herniated disc will get better within a couple days and completely resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. Restricting your activity, ice/heat therapy, and taking over the counter medications will help your recovery.

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Can a chiropractor fix a bulging disc?

Chiropractic is a preferred treatment option for many people with bulging and herniated discs because it is a non-invasive process and does not require drugs or injections. Once you have reached your diagnosis, you and your chiropractor can work hand in hand to look for the best way to treat your condition.

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Why won't my bulging disc heal?

If the pain does not subside within a few weeks or worsens, surgery may be necessary. If you continue to experience numbness, weakness, have difficulty standing or walking or have loss of bladder control, you may be a candidate for spinal surgery for your disc herniation.

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Do bulging discs show up on xrays?

Dr. Seth Neubardt, cervical spine surgical expert tells how the x-ray is used to check the bones in the neck but it cannot reveal a herniated disc. To see the disc you must obtain a CT scan or MRI.

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