While exercises will not cure your bulging disc, it can reduce inflammation, causing pain to ease off or disappear completely; however, that disc will always be weaker and may cause more problems in the future.

Some herniated discs, also called slipped discs, heal on their own in a few weeks to a few months. The best way to foster healing in these cases is to rest, avoid activities that cause pain, and take over-the-counter pain killers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms.

Low-impact movements, such as walking, swimming, using a stationary bike, and cycling, are ideal because they minimize the stress on the injured disc. Pay attention to your body's pain signals, and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen with rest and/or modified activity.

Lumbar discectomy is a type of surgery to fix a bulging disk in the lower back. This surgery uses smaller cuts (incisions) than an open lumbar discectomy. Your backbone, or spinal column, is made up of a chain of bones called the vertebrae. Your spinal cord runs through the spinal column.