Bulging disc pain

[Ken]

I’ve been following this site for awhile, but this is my first post. I’ve been suffering from cervical bulging discs (not herniated) for about three years, caused by a weightlifting accident. According to x-rays and an MRI I’ve got minimal disc bulge in three discs (C-4,5,7), and another with “very mild posterior bulge and uncovertebral spondylosis” (C-6), possibly the only disc actually causing pain. A couple of years ago I used excercises similar to those in this site for six months. These exercises may have helped but this improvement did not continue so I quit the exercises. I also tried physical therapy and a home traction device, all unhelpful. However, I gain significant relief from better posture, which I’m constantly working on.

I’ve been using some of this site’s exercises for about two months (Chin Back, Neck Back Bends, side bends, swivel, forward bend, neck pushes) . I do yoga regularly so I assume my foundation is ok. I’ve appreciated this site’s extensive explanation of how the exercises can strengthen the neck, and realize that at age 62 my neck ligaments and tendons may have been weakened due to decades of bad posture, and it can take a long time to strengthen these. However, after two months I find the pain and stiffness unchanged, with good periods coming when my posture is really good.

I’m wondering if it’s still worthwhile to continue with the exercises as often as every other hour if there’s no change after several months. Are there any forum members who have experienced bulging or herniated cervical discs heal, and if so how long did it take, and what caused this to happen? Also, I’ve been seeing ads for “decompression” machines, called the DRX9000 and the DRX9000C. I’ve read this site’s information on these machines, and they appear to be a risky investment, but I’m wondering if anyone with cervical disc problems has had any success with these machines or any other kind of traction. Thanks for any feedback you have.

[lrodptl]

I've done the DRX9000C with post treatment MRI that showed no change. The pain eventually subsided with nothing but rest-4 or 5 months of loafing. I recently irritated the nerve root again but got no MRI as I figured it would subside again. It has,after 17 days of vicious pain it is now mostly gone. I'm doing the stretches and won't stop because fusion is the alternative. Did you ever stop something and then a couple of months later wonder if you had continued?

I’ve been following this site for awhile, but this is my first post. I’ve been suffering from cervical bulging discs (not herniated) for about three years, caused by a weightlifting accident. According to x-rays and an MRI I’ve got minimal disc bulge in three discs (C-4,5,7), and another with “very mild posterior bulge and uncovertebral spondylosis” (C-6), possibly the only disc actually causing pain. A couple of years ago I used excercises similar to those in this site for six months. These exercises may have helped but this improvement did not continue so I quit the exercises. I also tried physical therapy and a home traction device, all unhelpful. However, I gain significant relief from better posture, which I’m constantly working on.

I’ve been using some of this site’s exercises for about two months (Chin Back, Neck Back Bends, side bends, swivel, forward bend, neck pushes) . I do yoga regularly so I assume my foundation is ok. I’ve appreciated this site’s extensive explanation of how the exercises can strengthen the neck, and realize that at age 62 my neck ligaments and tendons may have been weakened due to decades of bad posture, and it can take a long time to strengthen these. However, after two months I find the pain and stiffness unchanged, with good periods coming when my posture is really good.

I’m wondering if it’s still worthwhile to continue with the exercises as often as every other hour if there’s no change after several months. Are there any forum members who have experienced bulging or herniated cervical discs heal, and if so how long did it take, and what caused this to happen? Also, I’ve been seeing ads for “decompression” machines, called the DRX9000 and the DRX9000C. I’ve read this site’s information on these machines, and they appear to be a risky investment, but I’m wondering if anyone with cervical disc problems has had any success with these machines or any other kind of traction. Thanks for any feedback you have.