Bulging and Herniated Discs

Intervertebral Discs are “cushions” that are located between the bones that make up your spinal column (the vertebrae). The discs are comprised of a tough outer wall called the annulus fibrosis and an inner gel-like core called the nucleus pulposus which is predominately water and proteoglycans.

A Disc Bulge occurs when then outer wall, the annulus, extends or “bulges” beyond it normal margins. This generalized bulging usually involves the circumference of the disc.

A Disc Herniation, also known as a slipped disc or ruptured disc, occurs when the gel-like core (the nucleus pulposus) pushes through a compromised section of the disc wall. Disc Herniations are generally more significant/severe that disc bulges and some of the associated symptoms of both include:

• Pain - may be localized or radiate into the extremities if the disc material is irritating or pressing directly onto spinal nerves/spinal cord.
• Numbness or Tingling (paresthesias) - due to disc injury irritating (chemical radiculitis) or pressing directly on to spinal nerves/spinal cord.
• Muscle Weakness - the muscles associated with the compressed nerves may weaken.
• Altered Reflexes - reflexes may be under or over responsive due to nerve compression.

Causes of Disc Injuries include general wear and tear (degenerative disc disease), injury (auto accident, fall, sports injury) or repetitive strain from poor posture.

We are able to effectively treat disc injuries in our office through the use of gentle chiropractic manipulations, therapeutic exercises, laser therapy or spinal decompression (DRX9000). We may use a combination of all of these modalities for the best results.