Re: Bulging discs

Hi. I hope by now your husband has had some relief. Physical therapy provides relief, but only if he is able to go regularly, and is able to continue doing the exercises at home. The more relaxed he can stay, the better. Isometric exercises, walking, swimming--all good things. Jogging, sit-ups and strenuous exercises---forget it. The weight lifting that physical therapists have you do are very specific and good for the back. Bending forward and hulking the back may feel good, but it will make the protrusion worse. Don't let him do it. Sleeping on the side is not good. On his back is best. The body will eventually reabsorb the protrusion, however surgery is the quickest and, in my opinion, the best alternative. Find an excellent neurosurgeon. Never use heat. It feels good, but draws fluid to the area and causes inflammation. In the meantime, icing the back for 20 minutes every hour is good for keeping inflammation at bay. Do that along with a couple of Advil, or your favored form of natural pain relievers. You see--the thing is, usually this type of pain does not respond well to over the counter pain relievers, and does not really respond at all to muscle relaxants. The problem is neurological. Unfortunately, the only thing that has ever brought me relief is a combination of two things: my Miracle Balls (Found at Discovery Channel stores---I balance on them in order to breathe better and relax, and it keeps my muscles from bunching up when my upper back is in pain and I'm having an episode of paralysis) and narcotic prescription pain killers. I am not a candidate for surgery, as I have degenerative disc disease and most of my discs protrude. The good news? At 37 years old, I am a female who is trim an extremely active and I laugh a lot. It isn't a death sentence. It is just extremely painful. Your husband is lucky to have more options. I wish you both the best of luck with his recuperation.
This type of injury is often excrutiating and not easily understood by those who have not experienced it themselves. Recovery is a long process unless there is surgery.