Husband Has a Bulging Disc in Lower Back---any Home/self Therapy Answers?

My mom has a disc problem. Has he ever had xrays/mri to see where it is? In my mom's case, it is towards her back from her spine (as opposed to towards her belly). So she does stretches that will help the bulge to get "sucked" back in. In her case, she gets on her back and pulls knees to chest. If you can envision it, the disc is compressed on the side that is towards the belly and "opens up" the side that is bulging which creates a pull on the bulge to get it back into place. She does this every day morning and evening. If she pulls it, she uses ice and stretching. Heat can cause the bulge to swell and increase the problem. Your husband may have to experiment to see what stretches help him.

He's gotta be careful... it does not get worse.
Take Advil, to help the swelling.
A bulging disk, can rub on the nerves as well.
My Husband had that... and it was affecting his sciatica nerves down to his legs. In the end, my Hubby had surgery.
Also, your hubby should get a back brace maybe... maybe it will help support his back, and with bending/lifting support.

Try researching it online. All cases are different, and in the level of severity.

All the best,
Susan

Hi Jen,

Ugh, husband back problems are the worst! My husband bought an "inversion table" and it's been amazing for him. It's the only thing that seems to really cure his pain vs cover it up. It's no effort (you just lay there) and takes only 10-15 minutes.

Best of luck to you both!
T.

My Sister-In-Law had a similar problem... even with going to a chiropractor (which would only help relieve the symptoms for a short time NOT solve it) she still had issues. She was slightly "over weight" so the doctor mentioned that maybe losing 10-15 lbs would help. She did that but exercising was PAINFUL due to the recurring bulging disc but she fought thought it. When exercising is ALWAYS painful that is a good reason for a person to not do it, and it is not always because the person is out of shape so take care of what the underline issue is to make working out more enjoyable.

In the end she went in for surgery as a last resort and they repaired the issue (took out some stuff, put in artificial things not sure on all the details) AND a year later she feels great, no longer has any pain. Sometimes surgery is the only way to fix a problem that is this bad, she was on strong painkillers just to sleep so she knew after trying other methods that surgery is the best.

Call Dr. Atencio in Austin. He has the drx decompression machine (the best in the industry). You will love him!!!! He helped me with a similar problem! Texas spine and sports therapy center in the name of the center.

Both my husband and dad have bad backs and when it gets real bad they go to the chiropractor. They try to avoid it due to the expense of it, even though it does make you feel better if done right. With that said, 2 years ago I bought my husband an inversion table that you hang upside down on (but don't ever go completely upside down). It has helped stretch and reallign his back with way less visits to the doctor. I found several up to 50% off at places like sports authority and big 5 I got his for $100.00 and it can take up to 250lbs. If he's only 30lbs over weight you should be able to find something similar. They do have them to hold over 250 lbs but cost a little more. My dad was here for xmas and also tried it. He bought one when he got home and uses it often. It has helped their backs and keeps the chiropractor visits to a minimum, maybe once every 6mo to a year.

ice and NSAIDS such as Motrin, Tylenol, Naproxen. simple stretching techniques and i know getting a guy to do yoga i like pulling teeth but it can help as well. and as much as he won't like it, getting some exercise to lose some of the weight will help his back, but of course not till he's better. you primary doc might even be able to prescibe him a medrol dose pack (steroid pak they is only for a week) it will help with swelling. even walking may help him in the beginning to get some exercise in.