Anybody know anything about disc bulges in upper back?

[hippacrocadillypig]

Hi

I've just been diagnosed with a disc bulge in my upper back and I'm now waiting to see a consultant spinal surgeon, but have 3 month wait. I am off work, but itching to go back and wanted to know if anybody had any experience of this problem that they could share with me?

In particular - can the discs 'fix' themselves given rest and time? Does being active make it worse? If the pain is much reduced after rest, does this mean its healing or just that rest has helped the symptoms?

Thanks for reading and for anything anybody can tell me.

Hi I'm a Physio and I would recommend you have Physio treatment in the time you are waiting for the consultant.

Often disc bulges do resolve on their own and generally strict rest does not help but I would recommend you get one on one treatment. There are certain exercises that can help with disc bulges.

DH had one, and his was resolved without surgery - there are exercises and things you can do to change your posture which can help it. So I'd second the advice to see a Physio about it. Have you seen any kind of back specialist yet, or are you being referred straight to a surgeon? Obviously if another back expert has given you instructions, then that's what to go on, but if you're going straight from GP to surgeon, then a physio would be a good step in between.

Hi both

Thanks for taking the time to reply - it is much appreciated.

I originally saw a massage therapist that I use for neck and shoulder tension I suffer from, he referred me to a McTimoney Chiropractor and they both said they felt it was possibly a disc bulge or something else that needed medical intervention. Since seeing my GP to be referred for the scan I have also been seeing an Osteopath that he recommended.

I have found out since I posted the op that it is an inward bulge and 'the arachnoid (?) is pressing on the spinal column' - does that mean anything to you?

Thanks again.