Question
My daughter has been told that she has a bulging disc in her back. I understand that means some gristle between the discs has started to bulge out. What is the treatment for this in order to get her back to rights.

Thank you, Myfanwy.

Answer
A disk is a type of cartilage that acts like a pillow between the back bones.  When a disk is buldging, it means that the gristle like material inside is not in the very center where it is supposed to be, but has travelled outward towards towards the edge.  

The treatment depends on which direction and how far this gristle has travelled.  In the best case scenrio, simply protecting the area and using good posture and body mechanics will allow the body to heal.  Other treatments can include medications and specific exercises or positions to encourage the gristle to stop bulging, and sometimes surgery is required if the gristle actually travels beyond the wall of the disk.  

The physician who diagnosed your daughter will be able to point her in the right direction as far as treatment.  In the meantime, she should follow any restrictions given to her very carefully and of course, maintain good posture.

Take care,

Jenny