Bulging Disc
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You may think a bulging disc is the same as a herniated disc, but there is a difference. With a herniated disc, a crack occurs in the outer layer of the disc, called the annulus. The crack usually affects a small part of the disc, and it allows the soft inner material of the nucleus pulposus to rupture out of the disc. A bulging disc is different because the disc simply bulges outside the space it normally occupies between your vertebrae, but it doesn’t rupture. A bulging disc affects a much larger part of the disc than a herniated disc. While it is more common to have a bulging disc than a herniated disc, a herniated disc is more likely to be painful. It’s possible for you to have a bulging disc without feeling any pain at all.
Causes
A bulging disc is usually considered a normal part of aging. Some discs most likely begin to bulge as a part of both the aging process and the degeneration process of the intervertebral disc. A bulging disc is not necessarily a sign that anything serious is happening to your spine.
A bulging disc only becomes serious when it bulges enough to cause narrowing of your spinal canal. If there are bone spurs present on the facet joints behind the bulging disc, the combination may cause narrowing of your spinal canal in that area. This is sometimes referred to as segmental spinal stenosis. View animation of bulging disc.
Injury to your intervertebral disc, and overuse or misuse of the disc such as might be experienced by an athlete or a person with a very physical job, can weaken the disc and make it more prone to problems. Smoking tobacco can also cause your disc to weaken and deteriorate.
Symptoms
Bulging discs are fairly common in both young adults and older people. They are not cause for panic. As the disc bulges out between the vertebrae and presses on a nerve, you will experience symptoms in whatever part of your body the affected nerve serves. The symptoms of a bulging disc include pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Depending on which nerves are affected, a herniated disc can include pain that feels like it is coming from another part of your body, such as your heart, abdomen, or kidneys.
Bulging discs sometimes press against your spinal cord. When this happens, symptoms may include:
Bulging disc in your lumbar spine:
- Muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
- Increased reflexes in one or both legs that can cause spasticity
- Changes in bladder or bowel function
- Paralysis from the waist down
Bulging disc in your cervical spine:
- Pain moving your neck
- Deep pain near or over your shoulder blade
- Paralysis from the waist down
Non-Surgical Slipped Disc Treatment at ScolioLife Clinic
Welcome to ScolioLife Clinic, where we specialize in providing effective, non-surgical treatment for slipped discs. Our holistic approach targets the root cause of the issue, offering relief and promoting long-term spinal health. With our comprehensive treatment plan, hundreds of patients have avoided the need for surgery and found lasting relief.
Our non-surgical treatment protocol includes:
- Spinal Decompression: Our gentle spinal decompression therapy alleviates pressure on the discs, allowing them to heal naturally. This non-invasive treatment relieves pain and restores mobility, offering significant relief to patients suffering from slipped discs.
- Specific Exercises: Tailored exercise programs are designed to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility. Our skilled therapist create personalized exercise plans to address each patient's unique needs, aiding in recovery and preventing future issues.
- Rehabilitation: Our dedicated rehabilitation specialists guide patients through targeted rehabilitation sessions to restore strength, mobility, and function. By focusing on functional movement patterns, we help patients regain control of their bodies and achieve optimal recovery.
- Chiropractic Care: Our experienced chiropractors use gentle adjustments to correct spinal misalignments and improve overall spinal health. By addressing underlying spinal issues, chiropractic care complements our holistic approach to treating slipped discs.
At ScolioLife Clinic, we believe in empowering our patients to take control of their spinal health and avoid invasive surgical procedures. Our proven non-surgical treatments have helped hundreds of patients find relief from slipped discs and regain their quality of life. If you're suffering from a slipped disc, contact us today to learn how we can help you find lasting relief, naturally.