Bulging and Herniated Discs
So you have been diagnosed with a bulging or herniated disc… What now? What does that mean?
The Anatomy Behind Your Discs
The vertebral disc in the spine is an interesting and unique structure. They are made of cartilaginous material but they have two distinct parts. The outside is made of tough fibers that protect the inner portion which is more of a gelatinous material. The easiest way to think about it is like a jelly donut.The discs throughout the spine have three primary functions:
They act as shock absorbers in the spine, positioned between each bony vertebra.
They act as tough ligaments that hold the vertebrae of the spine together.
They are cartilaginous joints that allow for slight mobility in the spine.
What Causes a Bulging Disc?
When a bulging disc, disc herniation or disc rupture occurs, it is typically due to either:
a pre-existing weakness in the annulus, or
a sudden increase in pressure through the disc causing fibres of the annulus to tear.
This can occur due to microtrauma, sudden unexpected load, as well as internal factors such as age and genetics.
How is a Bulging Disc Diagnosed?
Your chiropractor will do an examination looking at the range of motion as well as orthopedic testing to see if there are any signs of nerve compression and disc bulge. The most specific way of diagnosing a herniated disc is by using an MRI.
Treating a Bulging/Herniated Disc
Most bulging and herniated disc injuries are treated conservatively without the need for surgery. Your chiropractor will adjust you to keep your joints mobile and decrease pain as well as give exercises to increase strength around the disc to keep it protected while it heals. There are only a few factors that make it more likely for you to NEED surgery. First and foremost is loss of bladder or bowel Function. In some cases, such as when you lose bowel or bladder control, it is deemed an emergency and you may require immediate surgery. The second is progressive weakness. If you have noticed you getting weaker and weaker day after day it may require surgery. Last is the failure to progress with conservative care. If you notice that you have not made any progress with conservative care it may require surgery.
