Your discs are the doughnut-shaped cushioning pads located between the vertebrae in your spinal column. They are made up of an inner layer of soft cartilage surrounded by an outer layer of tougher cartilage. A bulging disc occurs when the outer cartilage bulges from between the vertebrae. This is generally considered to be a normal part of the disc's aging process. Physical therapy, including chiropractic therapy, can help alleviate the symptoms of bulging discs.
Symptoms
Although bulging disc symptoms can vary widely from person to person, certain factors will determine their nature, for example, the location of the bulging disc and its severity, which depends on how much of the disc is bulging. Symptoms begin as the bulging disc puts pressure on the nerve roots branching from the spinal cord. If the disc is in the neck, it may cause pain and numbness in the neck, shoulders and arms. If the bulging disc is located in the thoracic area of the spine it may cause pain in the chest and upper thighs. If it is in the lumbar region it can cause pain in the upper legs, buttocks and calves and may cause sciatica.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should consult your doctor. If he confirms that you are suffering from a bulging disc, he may recommend heat treatment, medication and/or physical therapy. Usually these non-invasive treatments are effective. If the bulging disc is severe and debilitating, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Chiropractic Treatment
In some cases, when the bulging disc is not too severe, chiropractic care may be a suitable treatment. After an initial consultation, the chiropractor will take x-rays and possibly an MRI to assess the severity of the bulging discs. He will then develop a program that involves the use of low-force techniques to manipulate the spine. The practitioner does not force the disc back into place but gradually adjusts the spine to reduce the pressure from the disc.
Aims of Physical Therapy
Patients may also find physical therapy useful alongside chiropractic treatment or if pain has continued for more than four weeks. Physical therapy involves using exercises to help manage back pain, guided by a professional physical therapist. The aim of the exercises are to help you move correctly and to keep your spine in a neutral position throughout daily activities.
Exercises
If you are suffering from acute pain, you may benefit from a minimal aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming or stationary cycling. Jogging or other exercises that put pressure on the lower back should be avoided until the pain has completely gone. If your bulging disc is causing chronic back pain, exercises such as yoga, tai chi and qi gung, which can increase flexibility as well as strengthen the lower back, may be helpful.
References
- Mayo Clinic; What's the Difference Between a Bulging Disk and a Herniated Disk?; Randy A. Shelerud, M.D.; February 2011
- Spine Universe: Chiropractic Treatment: Slipped Discs
- Laser Spine Institute; Bulging Disc Symptoms; 2011
- New York Times Health Guide; Herniated Disk; Exercise and Physical Therapy; April 2011
