A bulging disk is a medical condition often called a number of different names. "Bulging disk," "herniated disk" and "pinched nerve" can all refer to a bulging disk. According to the MayoClinic.com, a bulging disk happens when the disks of cartilage cushioning the vertebrae of your spine have a small tear in them, allowing a segment of the inner soft tissues of the disk to push up against a nerve in your spinal column. Treatment options include moderate activity and physical therapy, medication and surgery if necessary.

Moderate Activity

When suffering from back, leg and neck pain associated with a bulging disk, it may be tempting to lie in bed until the pain goes away. However, the article "Herniated disk: Treatments and drugs" on the MayoClinic.com website suggests that you should continue your day to day activities, but avoid activities that cause you to strain, bend excessively or any other movements that cause you pain. For this reason, you'll probably need to get some kind of documentation from a health professional if you work. If you're job finds you sitting much of the day, try not to sit for more than 20 minutes at a time. Get up and walk around, stretch and then resume your duties. If your job requires you to lift heavy objects or do a lot of moving, take care to not overextend yourself. Avoid heavy lifting and focus on lifting lighter materials, if at all. You can also encourage the healing process by performing light exercise each day and engaging in physical therapy. Physical therapy treatments are recommended for people suffering with bulging or herniated disks because they help rebuild back strength and flexibility. Doing so will eventually help lessen the pain associated with the condition.

Medication

Medication can effectively treat your bulging disk but remember it won't cure the condition. Over-the-counter medicines like Advil, Tylenol and Aleve can be used to ease the pain of a bulging disk. If these medications don't work, you can discuss with your doctor about prescription alternatives such as muscle relaxants, narcotics or anti-inflammation drugs like corticosteroids. These medications have various levels of effectiveness and all carry some side effects. You can also treat your back and leg pain by applying hot and cold compresses to the area that hurts. Apply a cold compress. Frozen peas wrapped in a dishcloth or towel works fine to the area for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this for a few days and then switch to a cloth or towel soaked in hot water.

Surgery

For those suffering from a bulging disk in which treatments only relieve pain for a short while, surgery is another option to consider. According to the article "Herniated Disc Treatments vs. Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments" by Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., M.D., states that there are two surgical options for a bulging disk: a microdiscectomy and a spinal fusion. A microdiscectomy is when the part of the cartilage that is pushing against the spinal nerve is removed. A spinal fusion is when two vertebrae are made into one large bone. Both surgeries are considered only in extreme cases as most bulging disk treatments are effective enough to relieve pain and the condition eventually goes away.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: "Herniated disk: Treatments and drugs"

Spine-Health.com: "Herniated Disc Treatments vs. Degenerative Disc Disease Treatments" by Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD

Resource:

BackPainSupportGroup.com