Herniated or Bulging Disc

Back pain can arise from many causes, including a bulging or herniated disc. The vertebrae of your spine are cushioned by round flat discs with a tough outer layer called the annulus and a jellylike center called the nucleus. The discs, located between the vertebrae, serve as shock absorbers and prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. Sometimes the outer layer of a disc tears or ruptures, causing the center to push out into the spinal canal.

A herniated disc does not always cause pain, but if the bulging disc presses against a nerve, pain can range from mild to debilitating. Herniated discs can happen anywhere along the spine, but they most often occur in either the low back or neck region.

Symptoms of a herniated disc vary, depending on the location. In the lower back, sciatica is the most common symptom, marked by a sharp or shooting pain that may travel down one side of the low back, into the buttock and down the leg, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Other symptoms in the low back include:

• Pain on one side of the lower spine
• Weakness in the leg or foot
• Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot and toes
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

A herniated disc in the neck region can cause pain in the upper back and neck that sometimes shoots down the arm.

Other symptoms in the neck include:

• Weakness in one arm
• Arm tingling or numbness
• Burning sensation in the shoulders, neck and arm

Many factors can contribute to a bulging disc. While the condition can be brought on by trauma, it is more often the result of age-related disc degeneration.

Other causes include:

• Improper lifting technique
• Obesity
• Excessive sitting
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor posture when sitting or standing
• Excessive use of mobile devices or computers
• Faulty walking or running gait mechanics
• Repetitive overuse from sports or exercise

Smokers are at a higher risk of disc herniation due to decreased circulation that restricts the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the structures of the spine.

Traditional treatment for a herniated disc focuses on managing pain and reducing inflammation. Rest, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants and steroid injections are standard protocol. MRI is rarely necessary, and surgery has been shown to be of limited benefit. While pain management is important, it does not get at the underlying cause of herniated disc pain or correct it to prevent future episodes.

Herniated disc pain should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to further spinal degeneration and reduced mobility.

Other treatments may include:

• Gait analysis and retraining
• Gentle chiropractic spinal manipulation
• Acupuncture
• Clinical Pilates
• Vojta Therapy