Question 1

can a herniated bulging disk heal on its own?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: Most lumbar disc herniations tend to heal on their own. Anti-inflammatory medication and traction type of therapy often helps to relieve the pain. The herniated disc often takes up to 3 months to heal. Seek medical attention if there is progressive pain, inability to walk, numbness, weakness, or any changes with bowel/bladder function.

Question 2

is it possible for a herniated bulging disk to heal on its own without surgery?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: In reality, over 80% of herniated discs improve without operation almost regardless of the treatment, whether medicines, physiotherapy, chiropractic, or just passage of time.  The only time surgery is urgent is if there is neurologic deficit such as muscle weakness or loss of bowel or bladder control.  People often have surgery if the pain is so intense they cannot take it any more.

Question 3

do bulging discs or herniated disc heal?

Accepted Answer

Degenerative disk: The bulge or herniation can decrease in size over time.  There are treat, emits such as physical therapy that can help with discomfort.  If this problem is associated with weakness in a correlating muscle then decompression may be required.

Question 4

what is the difference between having a bulging disk and a herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Size: Bulging discs are normal findings on imaging studies while disc herniations are discs that have moved out of there normal position. Disc bulges do not cause symptoms.  A disc herniation is an actual passage of the disc's inner core or nucleus passing thru the outer part or annulus of the disc where a disc bulge does not result in any part if the disc out of its normal alignment of material.

Question 5

could a herniated disc / bulging disk be affecting thecal sac?

Accepted Answer

Yes: However, this pressure on the thecal sack is most probably insignificant. I would not be worried by that report that usually you will see the radiologist review.

Question 6

does a l5-s1 bulging disk fully heal over time? if it does, how long does it approximitly take to heal? there is a slight tingling in my heel.

Accepted Answer

No: Bulging discs never unbuge by themselves. It is possible that symptoms attributed to the bulging disc may resolve over a period of weeks to months. This happens when swelling is the primary cause of irritation of nerve roots causing sciatica. As swelling subsides the symptoms resolve. If the disc is herniated ( excessive bulging) and it causes  paralysis and severe pain; it often 
needs surgery.

Question 7

what are the tests for bulging disk?

Accepted Answer

MRI: The best test to evaluate the disks of the spine is an MRI of the cervical (neck) thoracic (mid back) or lumbar (low back) spine.  Your gp can order the appropriate study and make referral to a specialist as needed.

Question 8

what you should do for a bulging disk?

Accepted Answer

Conservative means: Initially, try medications, physical therapy, chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, injections. 

If these measures fail, and MRI shows correctable problem, then surgery may be appropriate.

Question 9

how do a herniated disc and a bulging disc differ?

Accepted Answer

They are similar: Usually a bulging disc refers to a disc that is starting to break down.  Like an old tire, part of the disc weakens and begins to protrude into the spinal canal.  A herniated disc is one that has popped and the contents of the disc rupture into the canal.  Sometimes they are used interchangeably since they are similar.

Question 10

is a bulging disc the same thing as a herniated disc?

Accepted Answer

Disc : A disc herniation is a protrusion of the internal aspect of the disc to the outer boundary. The Bulge is an extension of the boundary. They both can be found in people with and without symptoms.  These can be MRI findings of importance or no importance.

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Can a herniated bulging disk heal on its own

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Can a herniated bulging disk heal on its own?

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Is it possible for a herniated bulging disk to heal on its own without surgery?

A member asked:

Do bulging discs or herniated disc heal?

A member asked:

What is the difference between having a bulging disk and a herniated disk?

A member asked:

Could a herniated disc / bulging disk be affecting thecal sac?

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Does a l5-s1 bulging disk fully heal over time? if it does, how long does it approximitly take to heal? there is a slight tingling in my heel.

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What are the tests for bulging disk?

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What you should do for a bulging disk?

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How do a herniated disc and a bulging disc differ?

A member asked:

Is a bulging disc the same thing as a herniated disc?

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