Often times, clients come in reporting a disc bulge or herniation in the lower back or
Julie Cai
November 15, 2022
Often times, clients come in reporting a disc bulge or herniation in the lower back or neck, which may have been confirmed on a scan. Disc herniations do not necessarily manifest in back pain, however this is commonly the case which drives an individual to be referred for an MRI. Receiving the diagnosis of a disc bulge is not the end of the world, nor does it mean you can’t return to sport or physical activity. This article aims to clear up misunderstandings about disc bulges, and how Physio and Chiro can help disc herniations heal.
Discs are a type of soft tissue that sit in between the vertebrae of your spine. Their primary function is mechanical, since the continually transfer stresses generated by body weight and muscle activity across the spinal column. They make approximately one-third of the spinal column's height, and are major joints of the spine. They also allow bending, flexion, and torsion of the spine. (1)
A disc bulge however, occurs when the supportive structure of an intervertebral disc has been compromised, which can potentially cause the disc itself to press against and compress the nerve root. This nerve compression cau cause back pain, spasms, cramping, shooting pain, sciatica, numbness, pins and needles, or pain down your legs or arms.
The four stages of a disc herniation are: 1) disc protrusion 2) prolapsed disc 3) disc extrusion 4) sequestered disc. Although these stages can sound scary, most people are able to heal from the pain with conservative treatment such as Physiotherapy and Chiropractic, including the final sequestration stage. (2) It is also worth noting that it is common to have a disc bulge yet remain asymptomatic. In a study conducted by Nakashima et. al (2015) on 1211 healthy individuals (between the ages of 20-70 years), they found that 87u.6% of the subjects presented with disc bulge despite being asymptomatic. (3)
With the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, most people can return to their pre-injury activity. Depending on an individual’s presentation, certain exercises may need to be reduced to allow the pain to improve, such as sit-ups, deadlifts and squats. However, McKenzie method exercises can actually help drive the pressure of the disc forward to pull the disc material back into the disc. It is not uncommon for disc bulges to resolve after appropriate rest and rehab.
The majority of individuals with a disc herniation do not require surgery. The symptoms of radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people with time, conservative treatment such as physiotherapy or chiropractic, and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Physiotherapy and Chiropractic will involve a thorough assessment to determine the affected vertebral level or levels, biomechanical dysfunctions, core strength and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to this condition. Our treatment then involves taking pressure off the affected disc by releasing compressive muscle spasms, gentle traction of the spine, and joint mobilisation/manipulation as required. Appropriate strength and stretching exercise are also added, depending on the biomechanical presentation of the individual.
If you have any further questions about how we can help with your disc herniation, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment.
Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the side. The spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. In people with scoliosis, the vertebrae are not aligned in a straight line but are curved to the side. This can happen in any part of the spine, but it often affects the middle and lower back. The cause of most cases of scoliosis is unknown, although it may be genetic. Scoliosis usually starts in childhood or adolescence and gets worse as the person grows. It is more common in girls than boys. Mild scoliosis usually doesn't cause pain or other problems. But severe scoliosis can lead to pain and difficulty breathing. In very rare cases, it can be life-threatening.
A sports chiropractor is a healthcare professional specialising in treating injuries and disorders related to sports and exercise.
Most people have experienced pins and needles at some point in their lives. Whether it's from sitting in one position for too long or wearing tight shoes, the sensation is usually harmless and goes away relatively quickly. However, pins and needles sometimes signal something more serious, like nerve damage. If you experience pins and needles regularly or for extended periods of time, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. Pins and needles are caused by compression or irritation of the nerves. When the nerves are compressed, they can't send normal signals to the brain. This causes the sensation of pins and needles. In most cases, this is temporary and will go away independently. However, if the compression is severe or lasts long, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.
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