Leading Bulging and Herniated Disc Chiropractor
One of the most common misunderstandings about bulging or herniated discs is that surgery is always necessary to correct the problem. While surgery might be required for some patients, it is not inevitable for everyone. Even if surgery is eventually needed, our bulging or herniated disc chiropractor can often reduce the symptoms so that our patients can postpone surgery. Other patients of ours have required much less involved and risky procedures after a course of treatment.
At Health From Within, our chiropractic care focuses on correcting the underlying cause of the problem, rather than simply treating the symptoms. By realigning the spine and restoring proper function to the affected area, we can often help patients find relief from their pain and other symptoms. We also provide guidance regarding different lifestyle intervention options that can help such as nutrition, movement, and sleep. Our bulging or herniated disc chiropractor hopes this information about bulging and herniated discs gives you, our patients, helpful knowledge about this condition and the many therapies that can help.
Bulging vs. Herniated Disc
The spine is made of vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another. If these bones were to move directly across one another, they would wear down and become painful quickly. The vertebrae are cushioned from one another by the intervertebral discs.
Ideally, these discs are sandwiched between the vertebrae ensuring they don’t protrude from the edge of these bones. These discs protect the vertebral bones from one another. In addition, they provide shock absorption for the spine and the rest of the body.
Discs wear with age and can be injured in accidents. Two common disc conditions are bulges and herniations. The terms herniated discs and bulging discs are often used interchangeably. They are, however, two completely different conditions.
Bulging Disc
A bulging disc occurs when all or part of a disc is compressed. Even if only part of the disc is flattened, the entire disc will bulge or protrude around the edges of the vertebrae. Although the disc bulges outward, it is entirely intact.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a condition that can cause a great deal of pain. It occurs when the outer layer of the disc is torn, allowing the inner layer to herniate or protrude from the tear. This can compress the nerves inside the spinal column, causing severe pain. If you are experiencing any pain in your back or neck, it is important to see a doctor to rule out a herniated disc. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include physical therapy, medications, or surgery.
Common Causes of Bulging or Herniated Disc
Disc bulges are a common condition that can occur with age, repetitive strain, or injury. While most bulging discs don't cause symptoms, some people may experience pain, numbness, or weakness if the disc presses on a nerve. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the nerves. If you think you may have a bulging disc, it's important to see our chiropractor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Symptoms of Bulging or Herniated Discs
Bulging discs don’t always have symptoms. In fact, many of our Health From Within patients have lived with bulging discs for many years and are surprised when we point them out. Other patients have symptoms when this condition is just beginning.
Symptoms of bulging or herniated discs can vary depending on exactly where the injured discs are located along the spine. Some common symptoms of disc injuries include:
Numbness
Weakness
Pain
Exaggerated reflexes
Altered bowel or bladder function
Why Disc Issues Should Be Treated Quickly
If you are living with a herniated disc, you may be experiencing pain that waxes and wanes, or that is ever-present but doesn't seem severe. But even if the pain isn't constant or severe, it's important to get treatment for the underlying condition. Left untreated, a herniated disc can lead to serious problems down the road.
At Health From Within, we offer a variety of treatments for herniated discs, depending on the severity of the condition. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that is right for you and will help relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.
Left untreated, the nerve dysfunction caused by a herniated or bulging disc can get worse, leading to chronic pain and dysfunction.
While many people think of herniated or bulging discs as the cause of back pain or shooting pains down the legs, few realize that these conditions can also lead to urinary incontinence or difficulty moving the bowels. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see our chiropractor for an evaluation so that your condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.
How Chiropractic Helps Alleviate Bulging or Herniated Disc Symptoms
At Health From Within, our team of experts takes a holistic and integrative approach to treating bulging or herniated discs. We use the latest technology and evidence-based methods to help our patients heal naturally.
We offer Bulging or Herniated Disc Chiropractic Treatment that focuses on restoring nerve function. This is achieved by gently aligning the spine and decompressing the discs. This allows for proper nerve communication and healing to take place.
If you are suffering from a Bulging or Herniated Disc, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. We will create a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Bulging or Herniated Discs Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractic care for bulging or herniated discs focuses on reducing nerve compression and enhancing overall health to restore healthy function. We perform a detailed examination before beginning specific chiropractic therapies, which may include physical assessment, functional trial, health interview, and other tests. Our goal is to help you find relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you suspect that you have a bulging or herniated disc, our chiropractor will assess your condition by testing your sensation, movement, and reflexes. We'll also ask you to walk, stretch, and perform a variety of movements in order to analyze how you move. If necessary, our chiropractor may order scans or refer you to a surgeon for a consultation. We always want the best treatment for our patients and are not afraid to refer out if the outcome means better results for our patients.
Pelvic Blocking and Other Exercises for Bulging or Herniated Discs
Here at Health From Within, exercise is a significant part of every treatment plan we create. When we perform pelvic blocking exercises, we position our patient on cushioned wedges which minimizes the compression of the disc. The primary goal of this treatment is to free the nerves from the disc that is pressing on them.
In addition to in-office exercises, we also prescribe exercises for home use. A home program is customized based on each patient’s needs but frequently includes gentle stretches and repositioning exercises. A prescribed activity program can also include strengthening exercises to solidify the muscles that support the spine.
Lifestyle Interventions for Pro-Disc Health Enhancement
We believe that supplements, exercises, and other prescribed interventions lead to optimal health only when combined with a solid base of good nutrition, excellent sleep, and satisfying social connections. While chiropractic interventions are proven to be helpful, they won’t benefit you much if your body doesn’t have enough fuel for performance or rest for rebuilding itself. Our lifestyle interventions form the heart of our approach to promoting disc health.
Help for Bulging or Herniated Discs is Here
Bulging or herniated discs can become extremely painful. They can also cause loss of function, lost wages, and sleepless nights. If you or someone you know suffers from pain from these conditions, we want you to know that we provide treatment that has successfully relieved symptoms and pain caused by bulging or herniated discs. Please give us a call if you have any questions or would like to schedule a disc injury consultation.