The Best Chiropractic Treatments for Bulging & Herniated Discs

The best and most effective chiropractic treatment for bulging discs and chiropractic treatment for herniated discs will always be minimally invasive and will realign vertebrae that have somehow become misaligned. These conditions generally result from excessive application of force on a particular part of the spine.

Spinal vertebrae are separated by rubbery cushions that absorb the shock whenever a person is active. As we age, cushion elasticity declines, making us more susceptible to injury. Intervertebral discs have a rugged and rubbery outer membrane known as an annulus surrounded by a jelly-like center known as a nucleus. As a result of a bulging disk, this outer annulus bulges out of the vertebral space and loses its proper position.

Herniated discs, or slipped discs, occur when a portion of the nucleus is forced through a tear in the annulus, thus irritating the surrounding nerves and tissues. Herniated discs are much more likely to trigger pain because they will usually stick out further than a bulging disc and impact nearby nerve roots.

Symptoms of bulging or herniated discs

You’ll be able to tell if you have either a herniated or bulging disc by recognizing some or all of the following symptoms:

• muscle weakness – this will happen when one or more nerves are compromised. You would detect it as a loss of grip strength, frequently due to disc herniation in the neck.
• localized pain – depending on the precise location of our herniated disc, you might feel pain in the lower back, mid-back, neck, or sacrum. As an example, if you were to experience a herniation in your lower back or lumbar region, you might experience pain radiating throughout the thighs, buttocks, or calves.
• tingling or numbness sensation – when nerves become irritated, people who have a herniated disc will often experience localized numbness, a tingling sensation, or pain that radiates throughout an area.

Once a chiropractor has thoroughly diagnosed a bulging or herniated disc, it will be possible to administer effective treatment using muscular, skeletal, and myofascial manipulations. These kinds of manipulations will help to alleviate the pain and restore functionality to the affected area.

How chiropractic care can help

Chiropractors will start by obtaining a thorough understanding of your medical history, and then perform a physical examination which includes x- rays or an MRI. Using your history, we will diagnose the type of disc issue you have at present. Additionally, the chiropractor will take into account your daily habits, health history, and level of physical activity to determine your overall health.

A customized treatment plan is developed based on your unique medical circumstances. Generally, the treatment plan will include some form of spinal adjustments and chiropractic traction therapy which can stretch out the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the discs in between. It will generally take several sessions, but most patients experience significant relief from this treatment plan.

If you are struggling with pain from bulging or herniated discs give us a call @ (571) 378-0108 or fill out our online form for an initial consultation for new patients. Our chiropractors can get you on the road to recovery.