Is Heat Good For A Bulging Disc?

Heat can be very helpful for a bulging disc, but it depends on timing. If your back pain is from muscle tension or stiffness, heat helps relax the muscles and increase blood flow. But if the disc is inflamed and swollen, too much heat can sometimes make it worse. Generally, I recommend alternating heat and ice. Use ice for acute flare-ups, it reduces inflammation, and use heat later to loosen tight muscles. Chiropractic adjustments, stretching, and decompression therapy work hand-in-hand with both to keep the spine balanced. Knowing when to use each is key to faster, more comfortable recovery.