What Is a Bulging Disc?
The bones of the spine (vertebrae) are separated by intervertebral discs, which are the spongy cushions separating the spine's bones. When the outer shell of your disc becomes weaker, it gets compressed, and your disc becomes more flattened and bulges to one side of the spinal canal. The entire disc isn't always affected, but the bulge is generally even throughout the disc. A bulging disc may occur after an injury to the spinal disc.
What are the Symptoms of a Bulging Disc?
A bulging disc can rub against one or more nerves from the spinal cord and cause pain and other symptoms. Since a disc can bulge to the right or the left, symptoms can be felt on just one side or both sides.
Bulging disc symptoms can vary depending on the location of the bulging disc. Cervical bulging discs are in the neck, thoracic bulging discs are in the middle back, and lumbar bulging discs are in the lower back.
Common bulging disc symptoms are:
- neck pains
- lower back pain
- pain in your shoulder, arm, or chest
- weakness, tingling, or numbness in your neck, face, arms, or fingers.
- muscle spasms
- sciatic pain, a specific type of pain that shoots down your lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet.
- headaches
- weakness in the leg
- changes in bladder or bowel functions
What are the Causes of Bulging Discs?
Bulging discs are most commonly caused by aging, but many activities and some factors can lead to the development of bulging discs.
Common causes of a bulged disc include:
- trauma
- repetitive motions, often linked to your job
- genetics
- poor posture
- sports injuries
- improper or inadequate lifting techniques
Other factors like poor hydration and nutrition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight can weaken the outer layer of your discs and speed up the deterioration process, which will result in bulging discs.
Can a Chiropractor Do Anything for a Bulging Disc?
Chiropractors can do many things to help someone who has a bulging disc. Many people prefer chiropractic care as a treatment option for bulging discs since it is a noninvasive process that doesn't involve prescription drugs or injections. Chiropractic care can also help patients avoid surgical treatment options, which often lead to lengthy recovery periods.
Once you are diagnosed, your chiropractor will work with you to find the best treatment options for you and your condition.
Diagnosis of a Bulging Disc
When you see a chiropractor for a bulging disc or neck or back pain, they'll conduct a complete medical history, examine your spine, and talk with you about your pain and other symptoms. The chiropractor may conduct additional tests to ensure your diagnosis is accurate and all spine-related issues have been identified to provide you with an appropriate treatment plan.
Some additional tests a chiropractor might conduct are:
- checking your muscle strength, range of motion, reflexes, and stability
- performing an MRI to see the vertebrae's position in the area of your pain
- performing other imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) if necessary
Chiropractic Treatment Options for Bulging Discs and Bulging Disc Symptoms
When a chiropractor treats you for a bulging disc, they don't just focus on the area of your pain; a chiropractor looks at your entire spine. If they identify any other problem that adds to your strained disc's stress, they will also treat that. Chiropractic treatment options can include:
- Focused chiropractic spinal adjustments, particularly around the affected disc, which can alleviate pain
- exercise plans
- Strengthening exercises that help keep your spine correctly aligned
- physical therapy
- Adjustment methods that address joint restriction or dysfunction specifically
- Decompression strategies like stretching and traction open the space between your vertebral joints and ease pressure on discs, easing pain and reducing inflammation.
- nutritional recommendations
- self-care directions
Chiropractic treatment for bulging discs is an effective, safe, noninvasive treatment that provides long-lasting relief.
How Long Does It Take a Chiropractor to Fix a Bulging Disc?
People can often find relief from bulging disc symptoms after one appointment with a chiropractor; however, for the issue to be resolved long-term, it's essential to keep up on your chiropractic visits. The amount of time it takes to fix someone's bulging disc issues depends on the individual and the severity of their bulging disc.
Professional and Caring Chiropractic Care for Bulging Disc Pain or Back Pain in North Central Texas
If you're experiencing back pain or other bulging disc symptoms, A Family Chiropractic Clinic in Denton, Texas, can help. Our qualified chiropractors and physical therapists work together to develop an effective treatment plan tailored just for you that can relieve your back pain while improving your quality of life without the dangerous side effects associated with unnecessary medication.
If you have any questions about bulging disc symptoms, chiropractic care, therapies, and treatment options or would like to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please contact us at (940) 566-0000.
