A bulging disc is often thought of as a normal part of the aging process. It may cause pain and decrease mobility. Athletes and people who have very physical jobs are often prone to bulging discs as well as other disc issues. Not getting enough water and nourishment to the disc can also cause it to become weakened. Chiropractic has been proven to be an effective treatment for bulging disc and the associated pain.
A herniated disc is a relatively common condition that can occur anywhere along the spine, but most often affects the lower back or neck region. Herniated discs are typically caused by overuse injuries or trauma to the spine; however, disc conditions can also develop as a result of the normal aging process. It is also known that there is a genetic factor that contributes to the development of disc degeneration and herniated disc.
WHAT ARE BULGING AND HERNIATED DISCS?
As we age, the spinal discs gradually lose fluid volume. This process starts at about age 30 and progresses slowly, over time. Bulging discs are often thought to be the same as herniated discs but that is incorrect. A herniated disc involves a crack in the disc’s outer layer. This is called an annulus.
Typically, a small part of the disc is affected, allowing the soft material that makes up the nucleus pulposus to protrude. This is different from a bulging disc because, unlike a herniated disc, there is no crack. The disc bulges out of the space but it doesn’t crack and no material protrudes. It also affects more area of the disc than a herniated disc.
The most common causes of herniated disc are:
Wear and tear: Discs dry out and aren’t as flexible as they once were.
Repetitive movements: Work, lifestyle, and certain sports activities that put stress on the spine, especially the lower back, further weaken an already vulnerable area.
Lifting the wrong way: Never lift while bent at the waist. Proper lifting entails lifting with your legs and a straight back.
Injury: High-impact trauma can cause the disc to bulge, tear or rupture.
Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts an undue amount of strain on the spine.
Genetics: There are some genes that are more commonly present in individuals with disc degeneration. More research is needed to investigate the role of these genes-they could be targets of biological treatment in the future.
While a herniated disc is likely more painful, a bulging disc can also cause pain that can increase over time. Symptoms of a bulging disc include:
Tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness in one or both legs
Changes in bowel or bladder function
Hyper reflexivity in one or both legs
Paralysis below the waist
Deep pain over the shoulder blade or in the shoulder area
Pain when moving the neck or low back
Radiating pain in the fingers, forearm, and upper arm
Bulging and herniated discs are often diagnosed by a combination of several methods. A physical exam, along with a full history of the problem depending on severity may lead to tests like MRI, x-ray, and myelogram with CT scan. From there, your Doctor of Chiropractic will work with you to find the best course of care.
How can chiropractic help with disc issues?
Chiropractic is the preferred method for many patients with bulging and herniated discs because it is non-invasive and does not involve drugs or injections. Once you have your diagnosis, you and your chiropractor can work together to find the best way to care for your condition.
Your Chiropractor will want to verify your diagnosis so you may go through questions about your medical history, a physical examination, and tests that involve nerve function, reflexes, balance and muscle tone. Your Chiropractor may also order an MRI, pre and post x-rays as well as other diagnostic testing in order to get a better picture of what is going on and your progress.
One of the most popular features of chiropractic care is the whole body approach to wellness. Your Chiropractor will look at your entire spine, not just the area that is painful and lifestyle choices to help you heal and recover. They will care for your entire spine because it is one structure working cohesively and provide self-care direction, exercise, and nutritional recommendations so that you can continue to progress and function better.
Your pain and spinal problems occur due to the results of spinal misalignment inducing the disc weakness. Your Chiropractor will seek to get to the root of the problem so that you have less pain, your body can heal, and you can have better function and mobility.
Through focused Chiropractic adjustments, your Chiropractor will use techniques to relieve the painful symptoms by adjusting your spine around and at the disc that is bulging or herniated. Using cervical or lumbar traction machines can aid in helping to open the joints of the spine up to take pressure off of the disc and allow for the bulge and herniation to absorb back to where it needs to be.
Chiropractic care for bulging or herniated discs is safe, effective, and long lasting. Those having back pain from a disc problem get quality chiropractic care at our office so everyone can enjoy less pain, improved mobility, and better quality of life.
Schedule an appointment to talk to our doctor about how chiropractic
may be able to help you take your health to the next level.