15 Jan 9 Causes of Bulging Discs in the Neck
Do you suffer from neck pain? You may have a bulging disc. A bulging disc can cause pain and other symptoms in the neck. In this blog post, we will discuss 9 causes of bulging discs in the neck. We will also provide treatment options and tips for preventing them.
Causes of Bulging Discs in the Neck
- Trauma: A sudden impact or injury to the neck can cause a bulging disc. This may occur from a car accident, sports injury, or fall.
- Genetics: Some people are born with a predisposition to developing bulging discs.
- Overuse: Repeatedly twisting and bending the neck can lead to a bulging disc. This is common in professions such as nursing, landscaping, and construction.
- Poor posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture for long periods of time puts stress on the spine and can lead to a bulging disc.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts strain on the spine and can lead to a bulging disc.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing a bulging disc.
- Age: The older you get, the more likely you are to develop a bulging disc.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop bulging discs than men.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at an increased risk for developing bulging discs due to the added weight and changes in hormone levels.
Treatment Options for Bulging Discs
If you are diagnosed with a bulging disc, your doctor will typically recommend conservative treatment options first. These may include rest, ice packs, physical therapy, and medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If these treatments do not provide relief, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Tips for Preventing Bulging Discs
There are several things you can do to help prevent bulging discs in the neck.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight puts unnecessary strain on the spine and can lead to a bulging disc.
- Stay active: Exercise helps keep the spine flexible and strong, which reduces the risk of developing a bulging disc.
- Sit up straight: Sitting or standing with good posture for long periods of time will reduce stress on the spine.
- Don’t smoke: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing a bulging disc.
- Take breaks during extended periods of sitting or standing: Get up and move around every 30 minutes to avoid putting too much stress on your spine.
If you are experiencing neck pain, it is important to see a doctor to determine if you have a bulging disc. At the Illinois Pain and Spine Institute, we can offer you the neck pain relief in Chicago you need.
Learn more. Read What Is Whiplash and What Can I Do to Relieve My Pain?