There can be many causes for back pain from muscle strain to a spinal injury. However, when back pain is accompanied by pain that travels down the leg the problem could be a bulging or herniated disc.

A bulging disc means the disc has not herniated but is protruding or bulging out between the vertebrae and putting pressure on the sciatica nerve causing pain that runs down the leg going as far as the toes. The bulging disc can cause stabbing electric shock pain, dull aching, numbness, pins and needles sensation, and muscle weakness. The leg that is affected by pain is determined by the direction the disc is bulging.

Bed rest, icing the area for 20 minutes, waiting an hour, and repeating, will bring relief. Without bed rest and limiting twisting or lifting movements a bulging disc can herniate. To prevent this condition from worsening see your doctor immediately. Physical therapy could be useful as part of your recovery.

When a disc herniates, it ruptures sending pieces that push out between the vertebrae causing nerve pressure or nerve pinching. A herniated disc can cause shocking jabs of pain, numbness in the calf or foot with a tingling sensation, and sharp or burning pain down the leg. A herniated disc causes intense muscle spasms that require prescription medication, icing the area, and bed rest for a few days to relax muscles.

Spinal fusion is the surgical procedure to repair a herniated disc but it is risky. Spinal fusion is not always successful and you must be considered an ideal candidate for the surgery. 10% to 40% of spinal fusion patients suffer from “failed back surgery syndrome” that increases chronic pain and can decrease range of motion and mobility. The decision to have spinal fusion surgery should include the possibility that it can make your condition worse. Surgery should be a last resort choice after all conservative treatment has been exhausted.

Alternative treatment for a herniated disc includes kinesiology and acupuncture. Kinesiology addresses overall body health with muscle testing, gentle manipulation, and herbal supplements. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of pain relief using needles to block nerve signals.

Learning to live within your limitations and finding the treatment that works best for you will help you live a more normal healthy life. Embrace your condition, educate yourself, and make informed decisions about your health care.

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