Physical therapy for bulging discs

Bulging disc symptoms

The symptoms of a bulging disc vary depending upon its location. If the herniation is in the lumbar spine, patients may experience pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and even feet. Bulging discs in the cervical spine, on the other hand, will typically cause these same symptoms — but in the neck, arms, hands, or head.

Those in the thoracic spine are the least common type, and can cause upper back pain that radiates through the stomach or chest. Patients sometimes confuse this pain for a cardiovascular problem.

Severe bulging discs can make it difficult for the patient to walk and will sometimes produce feelings of heaviness in the legs and back.

The most common symptoms of a bulging disc include:

• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the back
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the legs or arms
• Difficulty walking

Physical therapy for a bulging disc

Physical therapy plays a primary role in recovery for patients suffering from bulging discs — particularly given that surgical intervention is often not opted. Both passive and active methods of physical therapy can be used to reduce pain and improve mobility.

Passive physical therapy techniques for bulging discs usually include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy. Active treatments include core strengthening exercises, stretching, active hydrotherapy, and exercises to strengthen the back, legs, and arms.