Around 8% of people in the United States suffer chronic back pain. A bulging disc is one of the most common causes of back pain. It can be so severe in some people that they can’t get out of bed without extreme discomfort.
But can a chiropractor help with a bulging disc? Or do you need a more invasive treatment like surgery? Keep reading and learn more about how a chiropractic appointment can help your back pain.
What Is a Bulging Disc?
Before we explore what a chiropractor can do, let’s first understand what a bulging disc is. There are soft discs between each vertebra in your spine. The discs act as cushions between bones and ensure that the bones don’t grind or smash against each other. Healthy spinal discs will help ensure your spine is healthy and pain-free.
Each disc has two parts. The outer layer is made of tough, fibrous cartilage that helps support the weight of the spine. It also ensures that the spinal bones don’t get too close to each other. The center part of each disc is very soft and gelatinous compared to the outer part and is essential for absorbing shocks throughout the spine. These discs should be healthy for most young people. But the discs start to wear down over the years. This is why older people have more back problems than young people. The discs will weaken and can’t absorb as much force as before.
A bulging disc happens when part of the disc bulges out where it’s not supposed to be. There are different types of bulging discs. Some are minor and only cause a small degree of pain. This usually happens if the disc is slightly out of place. There are also very severe bulging discs. Part of the disc’s center may bulge out through the outer ring, causing extreme pain and sensitivity due to pressing on sensitive nerves in the spine.
The Details
A bulging disc is not as severe as a herniated disc.
A herniated disc protrudes more into the spine and can cause more pain. It can sometimes create numbness or make it difficult to move certain parts of your body.
A bulging disc does not usually cause these problems. Many things can cause a bulging disc. It usually happens when a person overexerts themselves. For instance, you could be bending down to lift a heavy object when it happens, as bending down is when many back problems occur. This situation often happens because the spine is in a more prone state.
You may also be at more of a risk of developing this problem if you are older. The spinal discs in older people are not as soft and flexible as they used to be. The disc’s outer layer becomes stiffer, making it harder for the discs to stay in place between your vertebrae. But what can a chiropractor do to help?
How Can a Chiropractor Help Your Bulging Disc?
Bulging discs don’t usually require invasive treatments like surgery. But they can benefit from non-invasive procedures where a chiropractor comes in handy.
Chiropractors are trained to adjust different body parts and work in treating the spine because the spine is often the site of many problems.
A chiropractor might not be able to cure your bulging disc. But they can help reduce the pain it causes by stretching the spine in different ways, opening up space in the spine. A chiropractor can do this by providing manual adjustments and spinal decompression treatments.
These types of treatments can help reduce stress and inflammation in the spinal canal by providing more room for the bulging disc. It won’t put the disc back in place, but it can help alleviate some pain, allowing you to relax while the spine heals.
What You Need to Know
Getting treated by a chiropractor doesn’t take very long. Most sessions last around 30 minutes or less. The exact length will depend on the type of treatment or treatment plan your chiropractor recommends.
Your chiropractor may also advise you on other things you can do to help your spine. Changing your posture is important. If you often hunch while sitting or standing, ask your chiropractor for suggestions or advice to improve your posture. You may also want to ask about your sleeping habits. Sleeping on your back is a great way to keep your spine health in check.
All about Treating a Bulging Disc
A bulging disc can be a painful and annoying thing to deal with. It occurs when part of your spinal disc bulges out of its usual location. It is more common among older people.
A chiropractor can help by stretching the spine and opening more space in the spinal canal, reducing pain and providing the opportunity to heal.
To learn more about chiropractic treatment, check out our services.