The human spine is such a complex structure, tasked with so many important and demanding functions, that one small malfunction can wreak havoc on your health, wellness and quality of life.
A bulging disc is a prime example of such a malfunction. When one of the small "cushions" between vertebrae bulges out of its normal position, you can experience a cascade of pain and other troublesome symptoms.
But that doesn't mean you have undergo surgery to correct the condition, or just grit your teeth and live with the pain. Here at Mount Pleasant Neck and Back, we have non-invasive natural methods for correcting that errant disc.
Bulging Disc Causes, Symptoms and Solutions
The use of terms such as "bulging disc" and "herniated disc" can be confusing, but these are actually two distinct issues. To understand them, it's necessary to understand what spinal discs are and what they do. The discs sit between vertebrae, acting as shock absorbers against the various bumps, jolts and vibrations of everyday life. This resilience comes from a gelatinous inner portion enclosed by a strong, fibrous casing.
When a disc herniates, the casing is torn and the inner material pushes out onto adjacent nerve roots -- but the disc itself remains in position. By contrast, a bulging disc has actually slipped out of its normal position in the spinal column so that a bit of the outer layer is pressing on the nerve root. Both problems cause the same distressing symptoms, which may include:
- Sharp or shooting pains through a limb
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Loss of function or muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
Bulging discs in different regions of the spine cause these symptoms in different parts of the body. If you have a bulging cervical disc, for example, you may experience neck pain, shoulder pain and arm/hand problems. A bulging thoracic disc may cause upper back pain that mimics a heart or digestive issue, while a bulging lumbar disc is a common cause of sciatica.
Our Clinic Can Help You Win the "Battle of the Bulge"
Bulging discs can be caused by a variety of things. Such as, any type of traumatic accident, natural aging, slack musculature and habitual poor posture can all be contributing factors. While the symptoms of a bulging disc may fade over time, they are likely to recur unless you treat the underlying condition that makes you prone to them. But even those who experience severe recurring pain may be hesitant to undergo a discectomy or other form of corrective spinal surgery.
That's where Mount Pleasant Neck and Back can help. Dr Randy uses natural, non-surgical techniques to help you get that bulging disc back into its proper place and help it stay there. Manual spinal adjustments can correct longstanding alignment problems that have made you vulnerable to "slipped" or bulging discs in the past. We can also prescribe corrective exercises and lifestyle adjustments to help maintain a stronger, straighter spine. Stop suffering from bulging discs -- contact us today!