Effective Bulged Disc Relief | Chiropractor for Low Back Pain in Lincoln, NE
Hello, I’m here to explain a commonly asked question: What is the difference between a bulged disc and a herniated disc? Before we dive into that, let’s clarify some basic spinal anatomy using this spinal model. Here we see a vertebra, or spinal bone, and between these vertebrae are spinal discs. A common misconception is that discs serve primarily as shock absorbers. In reality, their main function is to act as spacers to allow nerves to exit the spinal column efficiently. The discs consist of fibrous tissue that encapsulates a spinal nucleus, maintaining the space between the vertebrae. The actual shock absorption comes from the spine’s curvature when we engage in activities like jumping or running.
What is a Bulged Disc?
A bulged disc occurs when the disc extends outward around its circumference, a condition often due to degeneration or trauma. This circumferential expansion can press on nearby ligaments, muscles, and tendons, potentially causing pain. While the symptoms of a bulged disc can resemble those of a herniated disc, research indicates that herniated discs generally present more severe problems. However, both conditions can lead to symptoms like localized pain, reduced range of motion, and even severe issues such as numbness, tingling, and radiating pain.
Causes of Disc Bulging
The primary cause of a bulged disc is degeneration—repeated trauma over time which might result from persistent bad habits or a past injury that was never properly addressed. For example, just as a minor car accident can misalign your vehicle’s tire and cause lasting damage if uncorrected, similar minor traumas can lead to a bulged disc from accumulated stress on the spine.
Diagnosing and Treating a Bulged Disc
Proper diagnosis of a bulged disc typically requires an MRI, which we perform regularly at our practice to ensure accurate clinical diagnoses. The treatment plan for a bulged disc depends greatly on the size of the bulge, its chronicity, and the specific symptoms presented.
Treatment Options
- Chiropractic Adjustments: We offer specific, neurologically-based gentle adjustments that realign the vertebrae without aggressive twisting or popping, reducing pressure on the affected disc.
- Electrical Stimulation: This method is used to relieve muscle tension, helping the spine to realign more easily with adjustments, thereby easing pressure on the disc.
- Spinal Decompression: One of the most effective treatments in our practice, spinal decompression gently opens up the space between the vertebrae. This allows the disc to retract or “suck back in,” alleviating pressure. Alongside decompression, we incorporate therapeutic exercises and nutritional advice to strengthen the ligaments and support long-term disc health.
Understanding the nature of your back pain and the specifics of conditions like bulged and herniated discs is crucial for effective treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about spinal health, feel free to reach out or comment below for more information. Your spine’s health is vital to your overall wellbeing, and at our practice, we’re committed to providing the best care possible.
