Bulging Disc/ Disc Herniation
You may have been told that you have a “bulging disc” but the technical name for it as a “Disc Herniation” (And don’t let anyone fool you into thinking they’re two different things) . I’ve also heard people say they “Blew a disc”. Regardless of what you want to call it, there’s no big misconceptions when it comes to disc injuries that you should be aware of.
What is a Bulging Disc?
In the spine, you have “discs” in between each vertebrae. Think of them like little shock absorbing jelly donuts. A Bulging/ Slipped/ Herniated Disc is when the jelly part on the inside starts to migrate it’s way out of the center. This can happen to different extents. Sometimes the jelly portion just starts to move slightly backwards and sometimes it moves so far that it squishes right out of the donut all together.
What Causes a Bulging Disc?
Poor stability or balance in the spine. Period!
If you google this question, you’re going to get all sorts of answers about aging (eye roll). This is not the truth! While our tissues do change as we age, a perfectly balanced and stable spine will be able to withstand normal forces from day to day life, working out, etc.
What are the Symptoms of a Bulging Disc?
Back Pain that either stays close to the spine or radiates out
Pain that radiates down the leg sometimes into the foot
Numbness or tingling in the leg
Pain when coughing, sneezing or bearing down for a bowel movement
Can a Bulging Disc Heal on it’s own?
Somewhat, yes! The jelly donut inside part of the disc can migrate back into the center however we have to caution you about just leaving this injury untreated.
While you may start to feel better with a few weeks of rest. If the imbalance in your spine and lack of stability still exists… that area is still vulnerable. We treat a lot of individuals who have had recurring disc injuries on sometimes a yearly basis for numerous years before this finally meet us to resolve the underlying cause.
Just because the jelly donut center is not longer bulging and pressing on a nerve root doesn’t mean you are “healed”. Get it fully taken care of by a professional so you don’t end up in pain again in another few weeks or months.
How is a Bulging Disc Treated?
The bigggest consideration needs to be addressing the stability of the spine and pelvis. Your therapist at CE will evaluate and address the following areas
Are the muscles that attach on to the spine not activating properly and having others compensate for them? This pulls the vertebrae out of it’s ideal alignment and puts more strain and stress on the vertebrae and the disc.
Are the nerves restricted causing a lack of normal movement and therefore irritation?
Is there fascia in your abdominal cavity pulling on the spine?
Are your core muscles able to provide the right stability to protect your back?
Is there rest of your body in an ideal alignment ( your feet and ankles can play a bit part in the alignment of your hips and low back!)
Why isn’t my Bulging disc getting better?
As I’ve mentioned, sometimes rest can help the irritation around the disc and nerve roots to calm down and for the “jelly donut” portion to move back where it needs to be. However, if the imbalance of the spine is keeping it in an alignment that isn’t ideal, the body might not be able to do heal with rest alone.
Find yourself a good rehab expert (like ours!) who knows how to find and address these issues without relying on pills, injections, rest, or any of the other bogus things that don’t actually give you long term relief.
Click the button below to speak with one of our therapists on the phone and get some one on one advice!