Disc Bulge Treatment

Between each vertebrae there is a disc that absorbs shock, keeps the spine stable and allows the spine to move. The disc consists of two parts – an elastic tough outer layer (the ‘annulus fibrosis’) and an inner soft gel-like substance (the ‘nucleus pulposis’). Bulging disc is a condition where the inner layer of the disc protrudes, but remains contained in the outer layer. The protrusion or ‘bulge’ can put pressure on the surrounding nerves which can lead to pain.

Common causes of bulging disc

Disc bulge can occur for a number of reasons, including:

Pre existing weakness of the outer layer of the disc
Microtrauma accumulated over an extended period of time. I.e. poor posture
Sudden trauma. I.e. car accident or severe fall
Sedentary lifestyle
Genetics
Aging and general degeneration of the discs

What are symptoms of bulging disc?

Bulging disc symptoms can vary according to location and severity. A bulging disc may be asymptomatic at first, with symptoms developing over time.

Common symptoms of disc bulge may include –

Pain in the upper back, arms or fingers
Pain in the lower back, buttocks or legs
Pain that becomes worse when sitting, bending forward, coughing, sneezing and lifting
Numbness
Tingling
Muscle weakness

What to expect when you see a Chiropractor for disc bulge?

Do you require disc bulge treatment? When diagnosed with a bulging disc, you may wonder who is the most appropriate health professional to see. A Chiropractor? Physiotherapist? Osteopath? Or should you get surgery? For those interested, Chiropractic treatment may be a suitable option. Chiropractic care may help you gain relief without the risks and side effects of surgery or medication.

During your initial consultation, your Chiropractor will ask you a series of questions about your health history, followed by a spinal exam to test the muscles, nerves and structure in your spine.

A review of your results will be provided during your second consultation. Your Chiropractor may recommend a course of manual spinal treatments that includes gentle techniques that can make the disc go back into its correct position.

With this treatment approach it should be noted that relief can take time and differs from case to case. You may require multiple sessions before you notice results. Your Chiropractor may also suggest other treatment options, such as spinal decompression.

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, traction (decompression) based approach for the treatment of disc bulge and other disc injuries. During treatment, the patient is strapped to a table and stretched. The injured disc is given negative pressure and then placed in a relaxed state, causing a pumping effect within it.

Benefits of Chiropractic care for disc bulge treatment can include pain relief and improved movement.

Surgical bulging disc treatment

In some cases, surgery is the best treatment option available. This will depend how bad your condition is. If you choose to proceed with surgery, you may have some concerns about the risks. Your Chiropractor can discuss future management through spinal exercises to do before and after surgery.

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If you have any questions, or wish to book an appointment with one of our experienced Chiropractors, head to our contact us page and select your preferred practice.