A C5 bulging disc may also be referred to as a herniated or ruptured disc. A bulging C5 disc occurs in your neck and can create pain or weakness in your neck, shoulders and arms. C5 bulging discs can be treated with a variety of different methods,depending on the severity of the injury. One of these methods is physical therapy, which may include the use of aquatic therapy or swimming.
C5 Bulging Disc
A C5 bulging disc occurs at the fifth vertebrae of your cervical spine -- or neck. There are discs in your neck composed of cartilage with a gel-like center. These discs -- which are soft and rubbery -- act to absorb shock that may occur in your vertebrae. These disks also allow your neck to bend and flex. A bulging disc occurs when the gel-like center of your C5 ruptures. This injury is often the result of improper lifting, aging, smoking, being overweight and participation in activities that are repetitive and strenuous.
Symptoms
A bulging C5 disc can be very painful. You may notice weakness in one of your arms. You may also experience tingling, burning or numbness along your arms, neck and shoulder region. Pain may be shooting as a result of the pressure created on your spine. In severe cases, you may lose control of your bladder and bowel movements.
Treatment
A majority of C5 bulging discs can be treated without surgery. In fact, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 90 percent of patients are able to opt for conservative treatment. Treatment may include muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medications, applying ice to your neck and avoiding the activity that led to your injury. Physical therapy may also be prescribed to help strengthen and alleviate pain in your neck. This may come in the form of swimming. In severe cases and in cases were conservative measures have failed, surgery may be performed.
Benefits of Swimming
Swimming and aquatic therapy offers several benefits for individuals with C5 bulging disks. Swimming can help reduce the pain felt as a result of your injury and help promote healing in your neck. Swimming can also help increase the strength of your core muscles, which are important in supporting your neck. In addition, swimming allows you to reap the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, increase your endurance and help you improve your balance and coordination following a C5 bulging disc. The buoyancy of water allows you to perform stretching and strengthening exercises that are likely more painful for you to perform on land. Water also provides you with resistance as you exercise, which can help increase the effectiveness of your workout.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression can be completed in water to help decompress the pressure left as the result of a bulging disc. With warm water and the effects of buoyancy, physical therapists use ankle weights and a weighted belt to provide traction. Traction can be used to align your spinal discs and vertebrae. Spinal decompression can also help alleviate pain caused by a bulging disc.
