Exercises for Herniated Disc in Neck

Contained spinal disorder, also known as a bulging or herniated disc, is a medical condition associated with the protrusion of inter-vertebral discs or cartilage pads that separate the bones of the spine.

The hard outer wall of the discs encloses a gelatinous material. These discs act as cushions and also aid in shock absorption. At times, the outer wall of these discs might weaken as a result of strain or aging.

The degeneration of the discs might cause the nucleus pulposus or the gel-filled center to bulge. The outer wall called annulus could also break, thereby resulting in the leakage of this gelatinous material. If this material irritates the spinal nerves, one is likely to suffer from soreness, pain, numbness or a tingling sensation.

Though bulging discs can occur in any part of the spine, these are commonly seen to affect the lower back or the neck. The symptoms depend on the degree of the herniation, and the pressure that a herniated disc puts on the spinal nerve. Performing certain exercises can provide relief for the symptoms caused by bulging disc in the neck.

Since compression of nerves in the spinal column by a bulging disc causes stiffness and neck pain, painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed. Application of heating pads or ice packs can also help in alleviating the pain to some extent.

In the initial stages of the treatment, using a home traction device or wearing a cervical collar might prove beneficial. Exercises must be performed only after there has been considerable healing.

One must also refrain from performing overhead activities or anything that might put a strain on the neck. Sudden or jerky neck movements must be avoided at all costs. Only mild neck extension exercises that won't cause any strain on the neck must be performed.

Though these exercises must not be viewed as a substitute for medical treatment, these can certainly help in strengthening the neck muscles and more importantly, improve blood circulation to the neck. Once the blood flow begins to improve, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the affected region will ensure faster healing.

A person affected by this condition must only perform mild neck exercises that will not cause strain to the neck muscles. Here's some information for simple exercises that might help in improving the mobility.

Exercise # 1: Sit upright and look straight. Now, turn your head very gently to your right side. Ideally the ear should touch the shoulder, but don't strain in order to make your ear touch the shoulder. Remain in this position for a few seconds. Thereafter, turn your head to your left side and remain in this position, again, for a few seconds.

Exercise # 2: Sit in an upright position. Tilt your head forward and try to tuck your chin in, so as to bring it close to your chest for a few seconds. Raise your head and return gently to the original position. Make sure that no strain is felt while you perform this exercise; the neck muscles must not be stretched beyond the pain threshold.

Exercise # 3: Sit down and take a deep breath. Exhale and move your head upwards very slowly so as to face the ceiling. Remain in this position for a few seconds. Very gently, move your head back to the original position.

Exercise # 4: Sit upright and take a deep breath. Exhale and rotate your head very gently to the left side and then the right side. Make sure that no jerks are felt and also avoid rotating your head too far from front to back or back to front, in a half-circle.

Herniated disc is a medical condition that can best be treated with drugs or surgery. Physical therapy is an important part of the treatment, but is not a substitute for drugs. Though exercises can help in strengthening the neck muscles and improving blood circulation, these must always be performed under the supervision of experts.