Your spine is made up of vertebrae which have ‘discs’ in between that act as a type of shock absorber, preventing damage to your spinal tissue and bone. These discs are made of annulus fibrosus that is a tough circular fiber that surrounds a gel-like core. However, this gel-like core can be moved from the center that, when moved out of place from an injury, can cause swelling and begins to balloon out, often protruding from its place between the vertebrae.

This injury is referred to as a bulging disc and is a common spinal injury sustained to your intervertebral disc and as the condition progresses; your symptoms will become worse. Also, the annulus fibers can be torn which can often cause back or neck pain.

A bulging disc that is not yet herniated may not cause much pain making the diagnosis quite difficult at times. Common symptoms of a bulging disc include a variety of sensations such as tingling in the fingers, hands, arms, neck or shoulders or numbness across these same areas. Any pain in the feet, thighs, lower spin and buttocks can signify that the bulging disc is in the lumbar region. Bulging discs may also affect the sciatic nerve, sending pins and needles type sensations down one leg or the other.

To determine the cause of a bulging disc, our team will ask a series of questions about your medical history and lifestyle, including physical activities you have undertaken throughout your life. Sporting injuries can be the cause of a bulging disc and you may not experience the severe symptoms until later in life.

However, a bulging disc can also be due to the natural aging process and degeneration. Receiving a proper diagnosis from a chiropractor will help in the healing process with a tailored treatment plan being designed by a licenced health care professional.

GONNET CHIROPRACTIC