Bulging or Herniated Disc Relief
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It is often assumed that surgery is needed for bulging or herniated discs. Some patients may require this type of surgery, but it is not necessary for everyone. However, it is often required to repair a herniated disc tear, although chiropractic for bulging or herniated disc treatment can minimize symptoms, allowing patients to delay surgery for as long as possible. After a course of therapy, some Life Source Chiropractic patients have needed considerably less invasive and dangerous procedures.
Our patients benefit from a comprehensive assessment and thoughtfully designed care plan based upon reliable scientific research no matter what surgical choices they need to make. Our recommendations for various lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and sleep, are also beneficial to them. Our bulging or herniated disc chiropractor hopes that this guide provides our patients with useful information about this condition and the many therapies that can help to address it.
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Bulging vs. Herniated Disc
Spinal vertebrae are stacked on top of one another to form the spine. These bones would quickly wear down and become painful if they were in direct contact with each other. The vertebrae are separated from one another by intervertebral discs, which provide cushioning and also act as shock absorbers for the spine and the rest of the body. In a perfect world, they should be positioned so that they don’t protrude out beyond the edges of the vertebrae.
Unfortunately, discs can become injured in accidents, and they can also deteriorate with age. Bulging and herniations are two common disc disorders. These terms are often used synonymously, but they are, in fact, two entirely different problems.
Bulging Disc
When all or part of the disc is compressed, it is known as a bulging disc. The entire disc will bulge, or protrude, over the margins of the vertebrae, even if just a portion of it is flattened. The disc is completely intact despite the fact that it bulges outward.
Herniated Disc
Herniated discs can also be referred to as ruptured or slipped discs. When the disc’s outer layer is ruptured, a herniation takes place. This tear is what separates a herniated disc from a bulging disc due to the fact that bulging discs are not torn. A herniation, or protrusion, of the inner layer of the disc is made possible by this injury and can become extremely painful because the inner substance of the disc can cause compression of the nerves within the spinal column.
Common Causes of Bulging or Herniated Disc
Bulging discs become more prevalent as people age. However, bulging or herniated discs can also stem from a car accident, a fall, or some other type of mishap. Some patients at Life Source Chiropractic develop bulging discs as a result of repeatedly lifting heavy objects due to the recurring strain on the spine. Aside from trauma and excessive lifting, obesity and genetic vulnerability enhance the risk of bulging discs.
Symptoms of Bulging or Herniated Disc
Symptoms do not always occur with bulging discs. As a matter of fact, many patients are shocked when we point out they have them, even if they’ve had this condition for a long time. Other patients have symptoms right away.
Since the spine is home to the nerves that connect the brain and the body, the location of the bulging or herniated discs along the spine will affect the symptoms. Following are some general symptoms for bulging or herniated discs:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Impaired bladder or bowel function
- Exaggerated reflexes
Why Disc Issues Should Be Addressed Promptly
Many people eventually seek care for their herniated discs because they can become extremely painful. The pain can sometimes come and go, and other times people become so accustomed to it that it no longer feels that bad. Take our word for it. Improvement of the underlying cause does not get any better in either situation.
Any nerve dysfunction caused by bulging or herniated discs gets worse if left unresolved. Pain and dysfunction may intensify or persist as a result of this. Patients commonly link disc issues to not being able to lift heavy objects or having a shooting sensation that radiates down the legs, but few people instantly associate a bulging or herniated disc with urinary incontinence or trouble moving their bowels.
A very serious complication of an unresolved herniated disc is known as saddle anesthesia. This occurs when the nerves that branch out to the lower body from the spinal cord are extremely compressed by a severe herniation. This results in minimal or lost sensation to the inner thighs, the back of the legs, and around the rectal area.
Alleviate Bulging or Herniated Disc Symptoms With Chiropractic Care
Bulging or Herniated Discs Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractic care for bulging or herniated discs centers on restoring healthy function by easing nerve compression and improving general wellness. Before we start any therapy at Life Source Chiropractic, we conduct a thorough examination, which includes a physical evaluation, functionality testing, a health interview, and other testing, if necessary.
In order to assess for an assumed bulging or herniated disc, we must test the movement, sensation, and reflexes that are associated with the spinal nerves. We also analyze our patients’ functionality by asking them to perform actions such as walking, stretching, and other various movements. If required, we may obtain scans or recommend a referral for a surgical consultation. Although we can resolve many issues with our approach, we want the best possible outcome for our patients, so we are not against referring them to other health care professionals when needed.
Therapeutic Wobble Seat
The therapeutic wobble seat is used by patients to warm up and stretch their muscles prior to chiropractic treatment. Warming up on the wobble seat not only hydrates the discs, it also enhances disc height. This prepares the spine for therapy that will deliver long-lasting results.
Because there is no supply of blood to the discs in the spine, they are only able to absorb nutrients and eliminate waste through movement. Utilizing the wobble seat promotes disc rehydration and improves spinal flexibility while also aiding in recovery and healing from bulging or herniated discs.
Spinal Molding Blocks
Spinal molding blocks can help alleviate back pain due to bulging or herniated discs by gently restoring the natural curvature of the spine. The discs must go through a brief set of warm-up exercises before the patient is put into a healthy spinal position on these foam blocks for a 20 minute period, which allows the discs to cool down and retain this healthy placement.
Pelvic Blocking and Other Exercises
Exercise is an important element of every care plan we design at Life Source Chiropractic. One of the exercises we perform in our office is known as pelvic blocking. During this exercise, we situate the patient on cushioned wedges in order to reduce disc compression. The goal of pelvic blocking is to release the nerves from the disc that is pushing against them.
We also recommend workouts that can be done at home in addition to in-office exercises. Although a home exercise program is personalized for each patient, they frequently include careful stretching and repositioning exercises. This home program can also include exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
Lifestyle Interventions for Disc Health Enhancement
Our bulging or herniated disc chiropractor believes our patients can achieve optimal health when supplements, exercises, and other recommended interventions are combined with a well-balanced diet, quality sleep, and enjoyable social connections. Although chiropractic care is proven to be beneficial, it won’t be very effective if the body doesn’t get enough sleep or nourishment to function properly. Our strategy for enhancing disc health is centered on lifestyle interventions.
Help for Bulging or Herniated Discs is Here
The pain from bulging or herniated discs can be excruciating. It can also cause sleepless nights, loss of function, and lost wages. Our scientifically researched bulging or herniated disc chiropractic treatment can provide relief from this condition if you or a loved one is affected by it. If you need answers to questions or would like to make an appointment for a disc issue consultation, please call Life Source Chiropractic today.