Supplements To Help Bulging Lumbar Disks

Your lumbar spine is the lower portion of your vertebral column, located in your lower back, just above your sacrum and tailbone. Spinal disks are located between your vertebrae and help your spine absorb force. According to the Spine Universe website, lifestyle factors, aging and injuries may all increase your likelihood of developing disk problems, including a disk bulge. To better understand the risks, benefits and limitations of dietary supplements in treating your disc bulge, visit your family physician.

Bulging Disks

A bulging lumbar disk is considered a contained disk disorder, or a disk problem in which your nucleus pulposus -- the gel-like interior portion of your disc -- does not rupture through the outer, fibrous tissue of your spinal disc, or annulus fibrosis. A rupture of your nucleus pulposus is called a disk herniation. Though bulging disks are classified as a contained disk disorder, your disk material may still protrude into your spinal column, causing discomfort or unusual sensations in your extremities if it contacts your spinal nerve roots. A bulging disk may indicate laxity in your disk tissues, although in many cases, notes MayoClinic.com, disk bulges may be part of the normal aging process.

Beneficial Supplements

Certain dietary supplements may be beneficial in restoring the tone and integrity of your connective tissues, including the fibrous tissue that surrounds your discs and keeps them contained. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that essential fatty acids, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, L-proline, manganese and a multivitamin containing vitamin A and natural beta-carotene may be especially helpful. Further clinical research trials examining the efficacy of these supplements for this health purpose may be needed.

A Helpful Supplement

L-proline, an amino acid that your body synthesizes, may be a particularly helpful supplement in treating your bulging disk and preventing a lumbar disk herniation. Balch notes that L-proline helps heal cartilage -- your spinal disk's annulus fibrosis is comprised of several layers of fibrocartilage -- and strengthens your muscles and connective tissues. Balch recommends a daily L-proline dosage of 500 mg, which should be taken on an empty stomach. Always review proper procedures and dosage with your doctor before using this dietary supplement.

Warning

Though bulging disks may not cause any observable symptoms in some people, this health problem may be an indication that disk herniation is not far away. If your doctor detects a disk bulge on an imaging study -- such as a CT scan or MRI -- discuss all relevant treatments with her, including both conventional and complementary alternative treatments. Supplements should always be used with the utmost caution, as some supplements may cause profound effects within your body.