Bulging Disc Treatment

What is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc occurs over a period of time, unlike a herniated disc that develops fairly quickly.  Typically, patients with a bulging disc experience less pain than those with a herniated disc, unless the bulging disc becomes herniated or extends beyond a nerve.  Bulging discs don’t always cause pain so they may only be found during routine testing or a diagnostic image test.  Usually, a bulging disk is not a problem unless it causes pain or ruptures.  Though bulging discs are mostly common in the back, they sometimes appear in the neck area.  If pain occurs in the lower back, it may also happen in the legs. 

Chiropractic Care for Bulging Disc

Some people may seek chiropractic care as treatment for their bulging disc.  Patients who aren’t experiencing extreme pain can seek a chiropractor’s care instead of undergoing surgery.  To treat a bulging disc, the chiropractor will perform a gentle spinal manipulation to realign the spine and reduce the amount of pressure on the spinal area.  Typically, this procedure will relieve pain for many patients.  If patient does not respond to chiropractic care after 12 treatment sessions, then he/she should seek alternative options.  Back surgery can relieve severe pain caused by dense muscles that can lead to herniated disc.