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 a disc bulge?

If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, you may be wondering which health professional is most appropriate for your situation. Chiropractic care may be a suitable option for some presentations of disc bulge, and may help manage symptoms without the risks associated with surgery or medication. Whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you will depend on your individual assessment.

During your initial consultation, your chiropractor will take a thorough health history followed by a spinal examination to assess the muscles, joints and surrounding structures.

A review of your findings will be provided during your second consultation. Based on these findings, your chiropractor may recommend a course of care that includes gentle manual techniques aimed at reducing symptoms associated with a bulging disc and improving spinal movement.

It should be noted that improvement can take time and differs from case to case. You may require multiple sessions before noticing a change in your symptoms. Your chiropractor may also discuss other options such as spinal decompression.

Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, traction-based approach for managing disc bulge and other disc injuries. During a session, the patient is positioned on a table and gentle traction is applied to the spine, creating a decompressive effect on the affected disc.

Chiropractic care for disc bulge may help reduce pain and improve movement.

Surgical treatment for disc bulge

In some cases, surgery may be the most appropriate treatment option depending on the severity of your condition and the advice of your treating medical team. If you are considering or have been recommended surgery, your chiropractor can discuss conservative management options and spinal rehabilitation exercises that may be appropriate before and after your procedure.

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