What is a Bulging Disc?

This is a common condition in young adults and older people. It’s where one of your intervertebral discs, which cushions the bones in your spine, has weakened and lost its shape. As the disc bulges out between the vertebrae and presses on a nerve, you will experience symptoms in whatever part of your body the affected nerve serves, usually slowly and over a long period of time. The symptoms of a bulging disc include pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. It is possible for you to have a bulging disc without feeling any pain at all or the pain may start slowly and get worse over time or during certain activities. Symptoms generally begin to emerge only when the disc sets other problems into motion.

Types of Bulging Discs?

Bulging discs sometimes press against your spinal cord. When this happens, symptoms may include:

Bulging disc in your thoracic spine:

• Pain in the upper back that radiates to the chest or stomach can signal a thoracic (mid-spine) bulging disc. It is important to determine the root of these symptoms as they may also warn of heart, lung or gastrointestinal failure
• Muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
• Increased reflexes in one or both legs that can cause spasticity
• Changes in bladder or bowel function
• Paralysis from the waist down

Bulging disc in your cervical spine:

• Pain or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, hands or fingers can signal a bulging disc in the cervical (upper spine) area

Bulging disc in your lumbar spine:

• Muscle spasms and lower back pain may be evidence of a bulging disc in the lumbar (lower back) region. Because this area holds so much of the upper body’s weight, approximately 90% of all bulging discs occur in the lumbar spine. Sometimes this discomfort spreads to the buttocks, thighs, and feet. When the disc pressures the sciatic nerve, sciatica can result. This condition usually manifests as pain that emanates down one leg, but not the other.

Some of the causes can develop from are Degenerative Disc Disease, General “Wear and Tear”, Injury or Trauma, Bad Posture, or Occupational Hazards. If you suspect you might be suffering, take action before the disc ruptures and causes further damage to the body. The first step towards treating a bulging disc is identifying what led it to originally.

Chiro & Sports Med

Our chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med are committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs, whether you are experiencing an irritated nerve, bulging disc, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension. You may be searching for pain relief after an accident or experiencing an injury.  Our mission is to help reduce or eliminate pain and to prevent future problems and injury. Above all, we are here to improve your quality of life, well-being, and your ability to live an active healthy lifestyle.

If you would like to make an appointment with one of the chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med simply call our office on 9817 2005 and one of our friendly staff will organise an appointment for you.