Is laying down good for bulging disc?

The preferred sleep position depends in part on the position of the disc. For a paracentral disc herniation (most common), people tend to do better lying on the stomach. For a foraminal herniated disc, sleeping on the side in a fetal position often brings relief.

Is bed rest good for bulging disc?

Most often 1-2 days of strict bed rest will calm severe back pain. Bed rest should not exceed 48 hours. Once you are back into your daily routine, you should take frequent rest breaks throughout the day- but avoid sitting for long periods of time.

How should you lay with a bulging disc?

If you have a herniated disc, you may want to try sleeping on your side curled in a fetal position:
  1. Lay on your back and then roll over gently onto your side.
  2. Tuck your knees toward your chest and gently curl your torso toward your knees.
  3. Remember to switch sides from time to time to prevent any imbalances.


What is the fastest way to heal a bulging disc?

How to heal a herniated disc quickly
  1. Alternate applying heat and cold.
  2. Stay as active as you can. Take walks to avoid becoming too stiff from resting too often.
  3. Try alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, or chiropractic.


What should I avoid with a bulging disc?

What should I avoid if I have a bulging disc?
  • sitting in soft chairs that put pressure on the low back.
  • any periods of long standing or sitting.
  • slouching or poor posture.
  • activities involving bending such as gardening housework or strenuous exercise.


How to Sleep with a Herniated Disk. Stop Back & Leg Pain at Night.



What makes bulging discs worse?

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.

How long does a disc bulge take to heal?

Most (80-90%) cases involving bulging or herniated discs will heal within 2-4 months.

Can you make a bulging disc worse?

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.

Can drinking water heal a herniated disc?

Eventually, it can lead to pain and swelling and even a bulging disc or herniated disc. Drinking water to adequately replenish the discs with the amount water needed to work properly can reduce the likelihood of developing back pain.

Why is my bulging disc not healing?

Sometimes, the nerves are actually damaged by the pressure from the disc herniation and may not recover completely. You may also develop scar tissue around the nerves weeks after the operation that causes pain similar to what you had before the operation.

Can I sleep on my side with a bulging disc?

If you are going to sleep on your side, our back pain experts recommend placing a pillow in between your knees to reduce tension on the hips. If you can commit to a more drastic change, the best sleeping position for your herniated disc pain may be your back.

Is it better to sit or lay down with lower back pain?

You should lie down to relieve the pain, but the goal should be not to return to sitting, but rather to regain your ability to stand and move. "The goal isn't to get into the chair. The goal is to start moving. Walking is better than sitting," he says.

How is L5 S1 disc bulge treated?

Treatment of L5-S1 usually begins with: Medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first for pain stemming from L5-S1. For more severe pain, prescription medication, such as opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used.

How do you relieve bulging disc pain?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Applying heat or cold. Initially, cold packs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. ...
  2. Avoiding too much bed rest. Staying in bed can lead to stiff joints and weak muscles — which can complicate your recovery. ...
  3. Resuming activity slowly. Let your pain guide you in resuming your activities.


Is walking good for bulging disc?

If you have a herniated disk, walking on a treadmill can serve as an important part of your treatment. Done properly, walking on a treadmill can help reduce pain, enhance recovery and prevent further disk problems.

What drink helps with back pain?

Also, drink healthy herb teas and true teas (green, oolong, and white). Experts say that olive oil, green tea, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables have all been shown to reduce inflammation in cartilage in the spinal column, which helps to control back pain and stiffness.

How do you rehydrate a disc?

Imbibition is a process of water being drawn into tissue as pressure is decreased. This is why when you lay down or sleep at night, the discs will rehydrate. What's even better is this process of imbibition can be increased even further and have more lasting results when ELDOA exercises are performed.

Can dehydration cause bulging discs?

Additionally, dehydrated discs can result in swelling and, if enough pressure is exerted, could lead to a herniated disc. If you're struggling with neck, back or even leg pain that flares up occasionally, you should consider drinking more water.

Is massage good for bulging disk?

As you might expect, a herniated or bulging disc in the lumbar spine can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause muscle spasms, cramps, numbness and considerable pain in the neck, back or legs. The good news is that remedial massage can be very beneficial in treating bulging or herniated disc symptoms.

Do muscle relaxers help bulging disc?

If a disc slips from its place between vertebrae and pinches a nerve, the electrical signals that move from the nerve to nearby muscle tissue may be disrupted, leading to painful muscle spasms. Muscle relaxant medications can calm spasms and ease pain, letting you move more easily.

Is a disc bulge permanent?

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

Is L4 L5 disc bulge serious?

Most importantly, an L4-L5 disc bulge can lead to prolonged pain and other, more serious conditions like spondylolisthesis if you delay treatment. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra shifts or slips, and can cause significant pain that may require surgery to fix.

Does bulging disc pain ever go away?

The good news is that in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.

Can a chiropractor fix a bulging disc?

Yes! Chiropractic care is the preferred treatment method for many patients suffering from a bulging disc. It is non-invasive and does not require drugs or injections of any kind. Chiropractic can help provide you with improved mobility, decreased pain, and overall better quality of life.