Bulging Disc – What It Is And How It Can Be Treated

[admin]

Contrary to popular belief, there is a lot of difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc. People tend to believe that a herniated disc is a bulging disc or a slipped disk. Here, we will describe the difference, but will concentrate more on a bulging disc.

The spine is made up of thirty-three vertebrae, twenty-seven of which are separated from each other by an ‘Intervertebral disc’. The function of the spinal column is to protect the spinal chord – the nerves that connect the parts of the body to the brain. The Intervertebral discs cushion the vertebrae from grinding against each other and so are constructed specifically for this purpose.

These discs can be thought of like a jam doughnut with the central part being the jam. These discs are constructed of a hard cartilage layer on the outside and a soft spongy substance inside. They serve as very efficient shock absorbers and protect the spine from injury.

With age, the discs get compressed and they begin to bulge. In order to get a clearer idea of a bulging disc, just think of a burger with the filling slipping out from all around the bun. A bulging disc is a natural occurrence and normally does not cause any discomfort; but in some cases bulging discs may cause back pain.

However, in extreme cases, the bulging disc can be a cause of pain if the vertebrae compress too much. There may be an occurrence of one bulging disc or many bulging discs.

A slipped disc or herniated disc is a condition where the hard outer cartilage of the disc ruptures and the soft tissue from inside begins to bulge out of the rupture. (Think of the jam donut analogy above, with the jam starting to ooze out). This can be a very painful condition and may require hospitalization in some cases. However, what is common in many cases, is that the patient suffering from a herniated disc will spend a couple of days in bed while the pain subsides. Then gradual movement is very much encouraged to help convalescence. Some doctors prescribe some exercises and physical therapy to help the recovery.

Though bulging discs are an age-related condition, it can occur in youngsters as well. This is not a cause for concern however.

Treatment for bulging discs may include chiropractic therapy, medicine for pain control and even surgery in extreme cases. However, these methods are usually only resorted to after eight to twelve weeks of conservation treatment have been tried out to relieve the patient from pain and discomfort and if the patient reports no relief in the condition.

The time that should be allowed for conservation treatment will depend on the patient and the doctor treating him or her. With proper treatment a patient with a bulging disc will soon be back to normal, with the patient living a healthy painless lifestyle once again.

[Augustine5I]

Well as we are being honest, your disc never actually slipped at all. The term “slipped disc”, is a layman’s term usually meant to describe a bulging disc or herniated disc. People with a slipped disc usually present with back pain symptoms and/or sciatica.

There is however a big difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc. Each condition is sufficiently painful enough to put you on your back side for awhile. Back pain therapy for a slipped disc can be quite simple, and in no way does the “disc” slip back into place. As if it were that simple, chiropractors would be in “slipped disc” heaven.


Slipped Disc Treatment Options

Seriously speaking though, you can render treatment for back pain quite effectively at home. I would recommend a multi-disciplinary approach; however, whenever possible. This should include your physician, physical therapist, chiropractor, and perhaps even an acupuncturist.

Many back pain exercises can be beneficial for treatment of your slipped disc. Although care must be used to avoid an exacerbation of your symptoms secondary to improper use of technique and form with each selected exercise. Therefore, you may want to consult your physician prior to starting any back pain exercise program.

I will warn you against performing back pain exercises for your Slipped Disc that institute a flexion pattern of your lumbar spine. Exercises like crunches, single knee to chest and double knee to chest are contraindicated for your slipped disc. Instead, focus on extension exercises for your spine like those of the "prone press up".


McKenzie Method for Slipped Disc

These types of extension exercises are often referred to as the “McKenzie Method” of exercises. Some physical therapists are even “McKenzie” certified. It is possible to learn these types of back pain exercises on your own, and an excellent “how to” book by Robin McKenzie is available called “7 Steps To A Pain Free Life”. Look for it as you are interested in learning more on how to cure your slipped disc from home via a self treatment option.


Positional Distraction for Slipped Disc

Another viable option for your slipped disc is positional distraction. This is sort of like traction, but not as aggressive. And in my experience, much more beneficial since results typically are improved over those achieved by a traction table. That is just my clinical experience talking as I do not have statistical data to back that up. You may want to try positional distraction for yourself to determine how much or how little it actually helps your slipped disc.


Cold Pack for Slipped Disc

It should be of no surprise that many people with a slipped disc reach for a hot pack for symptomatic relief. As a physical therapist for over 12 years, I strongly urge against such a practice. My clinical experience strenuously begs to differ. A majority of the time, a cold pack or ice pack is the best course of action due to the enormous amount of inflammation taking place surrounding the slipped disc and possibly corresponding nerve root.

In conclusion, Healing back pain due to a slipped disc is possible with proper attention to a few of the above mentioned points. I do caution you to quiet your activities and show patience during your recovery process. It takes time, any you should take your “slipped disc” condition seriously.

It is always best to contact a qualified healthcare professional for the proper diagnosis and treatment of your condition.

[Leeann]

Chiropractic should NOT be a recommended treatment for a herniated disc. A Chiropractor does not have the extensive knowledge of the central nervous system, and most generally does not have an MRI. They take X-rays which do not show the discs, and soft tissues. Manipulation in the case of a herniated disk could put the patient in danger of paralysis. I'm not speaking out of my hat ~ this came from 2 different neurosurgeons.