What is a Bulging or Herniated Disc?
The spine is a very complex structure that provides support for the entire body. There are 24 jointed vertebrae and nine fused bones that make up the spine, and all of the jointed pieces have the ability to shift or slip out of place. These bones are cushioned with cartilage discs to help the spine bend and twist without coming apart. However, these little discs are vulnerable to damage from the bones and muscles around them, including the spine vertebrae. You usually need professional care to heal with a disc is damaged.
Spinal disc herniation occurs when one of many causes leads to a tear in the fibers that make a ring around the outside of each disc. Inside this fibrous exterior is a softer interior that cushions the force of walking, running, and standing. This core can be pushed outside through the tear, much like a hernia pressing through a tear in the abdomen muscle wall. The nerves along the inside and outside of the spine often react very strongly to the increased pressure and reduced support of a damaged disc.
Bulging and Herniated Disc Symptoms
It is possible to have a major herniated disc and never experience a single symptom. If the disc is located away from nerve roots and has no contact with muscles or tendons, you could go through life without noticing it. However, it can also lead to some of the most severe neck and back pain we treat. Most patients with bulging discs experience:
- Sharp and spreading pain in one particular part of the back or neck
- Irritation in the rib cage, thighs, arms, or shoulders
- Numbness through extremities affected by the disc
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced reflexes
Cause of Bulging and Herniated Discs
Some people are born with disc deformities and herniation, while others are surprised to learn about the problem and can’t remember the exact cause. Nearly any form of damage to the spine could rupture or tear a spinal disc. A few of the most common causes include:
- Sudden trauma to the spine, such as a car accident
- Overwhelming strain due to heavy lifting
- A simple sneeze that puts unexpected force on the spine
- Repetitive activities and actions that involve the back or neck
- Wear and tear that comes with age
- Sitting for too long with poor posture
Bulging and Herniated Disc Risks
There are numerous risk factors that have been linked to herniated disc issues. While some simply can’t be changed, others are lifestyle choices. Spinal damage risks include:
- Growing older, due to the natural degeneration of the discs
- Jobs that involve sitting for long periods of time or heavy lifting
- Staying sedentary and allowing your back muscles to lose strength
- Gaining excess weight, which strains the spine further
- Being male
- Smoking cigarettes
- Eating a poor diet that doesn’t provide the nutrients required for joint and disc health
Bulging and Herniated Disc Treatment Options
For severe cases, it may be impossible to relieve the pain without surgery to repair this disc. However, this shouldn’t be your first choice due to the risks. It is possible to only aggravate the symptoms further due to nerve damage caused during the repair. Start with less invasive options like:
- Chiropractic spinal manipulation to release pressure on the affected disc or discs
- Injections of cortisone to provide long term pain relief without dangerous medications
- Massage to relieve swelling or tension
- Tracking of bulging discs that aren’t causing symptoms
- Medically supervised weight loss to relieve strain on the entire spine
Heal Your Spinal Damage
If you are tired of periodic numbness or chronic pain that just won’t leave you alone, stop by for a consultation to determine if you have a herniated disc. Many patients who come to us for sciatica treatment are shocked to find that their hip or foot pain is linked to damage relatively high on the spine. We understand all of the nerves that weave their way in and out of the spinal column, so we can help pinpoint the problem and treat it promptly for amazing results. To heal any spine damage in the Greater Denver area, contact us today.
The Initial Visit
When you arrive for your first visit, a member of Keystone Health & Wellness Center team will spend time with you collecting your patient history. This information will help your Keystone Health & Wellness Center Team know how significant your bulging or herniated disc problem is and how best to help you. As you get started with a treatment plan for your bulging or herniated disc, we will most likely give you some at home tips to be aware of. The Team at Keystone Health & Wellness Center has a lot of experience with bulging or herniated disc, but we will also need your participation in your care for the best results.
Feel free to look at our testimonials page to see what others have said about Keystone Health & Wellness Center. We’re proud to be part of their health care team. We want to thank you for considering us to help with your bulging or herniated disc. It does not have to be a life sentence. You don’t have to become another statistic, bulging or herniated disc is a fixable problem.
Free Consultation For Your Bulging / Herniated Disc
If you are suffering from bulging or herniated disc, the team at Keystone Health & Wellness Center is ready to help. Keystone Health & Wellness Center provides specialized treatment plans for bulging or herniated disc in Denver, Centennial, the Denver Central Business District and the Denver Tech Center which can help you understand where your symptoms are coming from and what it will take to improve.
Call (720) 593-4555 today to schedule your consultation!