Do you have consistent lower back pain, that isn’t getting better with time? Is some of the pain even radiating down your legs and into your feet? It is best to visit your doctor to see if you have a bulging lower back disc. Over time it can become a herniated disc, with pain that can also travel to other areas, including the legs and feet. It is best to know the signs and symptoms of a bulging disc and act quickly, methods and proper steps to take for recovery, and how local Casper physical therapy can help.

Signs and Symptoms

Discs are located in between vertebrae and are the cushions that absorb motion and shocks. Over time or due to certain movements, those discs can become weaker causing them to swell. It could be from improper lifting techniques or just use over time.

Once a disc is bulging, its internal gel-like fluid in the disc is pushed out, causing it to protrude out of place. Because of its location at the bottom of the spine, the area’s many nerve endings make any small thing even more painful. Symptoms are not severe at first, and worsen over time. Some of the top bulging disc symptoms include:

• A sharp pain during certain movements that feels like an electrical shock
• Numbness or tingling in the back, or even down the legs and feet
• Radiating pain in the lower back area
• Muscle spasms
• Cramping in the back or legs
• Weakness and difficulty walking or other movements

Taking Proper Steps

Upon the first signs of having an issue, see your doctor. You do not want the bulging disc to rupture, as it will cause even more pain in the lower back, legs and feet. What is a ruptured disc and how is it treated? It is important to learn about it, and avoid getting to that point. Be sure to follow their specific instructions to ensure a speedy recovery that will improve the quality of your condition. In addition, you can also:

• Use anti-inflammatories (as recommended by your physician) to reduce swelling in the area
• Use a brace to provide extra support to your lower back
• Take it easy and avoid excessive use
• Have proper posture when sitting in a supportive chair
• See a physical therapist

Recovering with Physical Therapy

A premier physical therapist can assess your personal situation and create a plan for your recovery. This can be done through a series of exercises for the area, massage therapy, decompression, and more. This will help to lower the amount of swelling in the lower back, therefore relieving a lot of pain. It can also strengthen that muscle again, and hopefully you will not have to go through the problem again if you maintain it properly.

It is important that you don’t let pain and discomfort persist, get help from a physical therapist. Your go-to physical therapy office, North Platte Physical Therapy, can help you get on track and on your way to recovery. Don’t deal with pain—contact us today and schedule your appointment.