Question
QUESTION: Hi I had been having pain in my right buttock & leg & have been diagnosed with a 'slightly' bulging disc between L4-L5. I wanted to know a few things:
- Can a bulging disc be corrected?
- If yes- can one carry on a 'normal' life thereafter wrt lifting weights etc. I am particularly worried about this as I am an avid traveller- with my backpack always on my back!
- I am already practising Yoga floor exercises to strengthen my back. But the pain still remains- though it is better. Anything else I can do to improve this?


ANSWER: Yes, symptomatic bulging discs can often be corrected. However, bulging discs are a common finding on MRI and may be present in about 45% or more of the population at any given time, never causing symptoms in some or even many of the cases. It is believed that inflammation is the main generator of pain in cases of bulging discs, which is often associated with, and results from, degenerative disc disease.

Symptomatic bulging discs are best treated by rehabilitative exercises. These may include extension (backwards bending) or flexion (forward bending exercises). Both chiropractors and physical therapists use these maneuvers. You can also read "Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie, an Australian physical therapist who developed the McKenzie (extension) technique of treating disc lesions.

Additionally, spinal manipulation may be helpful for short-term care in the acute or chronic/exacerbated phases of disc-related pain.

In general, increased weight-bearing forces (excess body weight, or carrying heavy loads) have the potential to exacerbate chronic disc-related pain... as do poor posture, prolonged sitting, improper body mechanics, repetitive bending/lifting/twisting movements, and poor health habits such as smoking and inadequate hydration.

Yoga may be helpful for you and in fact may be similar to some of the rehabilitative maneuvers used to treat back disorders, but I would avoid hyper-extension or hyper-flexion (the extreme backward and forward bending positions) that are part of some yoga maneuvers.

It's important to remember that bulging discs are not frank disc herniations; in other words, they're not causing spinal nerve root compression. Pain, particularly pain that radiates into the buttock or leg, is most likely the result of chemical irritation of a spinal nerve root resulting from inflammation. Following an anti-inflammatory diet is also helpful (more water, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables; less grain, flour, and sugar-based products; and including fish oils such as salmon).

Also, in some cases, the pain is simply chronic, due to the person's lifestyle and possibly genetics. A number of limited research studies have found a number of genetic mutations that contribute to disc-related pain and degeneration. Patient success in overcoming disc-related pain is often a combined result of compliance with active self-care exercises, proper diet, appropriate body mechanics, and takes into consideration age and other health problems which may be present.

I hope that you have found this information helpful.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info.

A few related questions:
- Typically how much extra weight can one carry without putting one's discs at risk? I'd read somewhere that its about 10% of your body weight?
- Apart from Yoga & diet- is there anything else I can do to reduce my pain?

I am 36 years old, 5'7" tall & weigh 160 pounds. i have a desk job- but exercise everyday for 25-30 minutes & used to walk for 30 minutes- which I find difficult to do now as my buttock/ leg hurts.

Regards

Answer
Because you're having continued pain, you really require a proper evaluation with a qualified health care practitioner for more specific advice. I recommend that you see a musculoskeletal-based chiropractor for further evaluation. You may also request a prescription for physical therapy from your primary care physician.

In general, you can carry a backpack to your comfort level.