A bulging disc occurs when the soft cushioning material between the vertebrae of your spine starts to push out, which can cause pain and discomfort in other parts of your body. This condition is known as a herniated or bulging disc. Depending on where it is located, a bulging disc can cause nerve impingement, back pain, neck pain, and even numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options available for those suffering from bulging discs. A chiropractor in Spartanburg is often used to help strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve the range of motion. Exercises may include stretches, core strengthening, or yoga.
WHAT IS A BULGING DISC?
A bulging disc is a medical condition that can cause severe pain and discomfort. It occurs when the vertebrae in your spine press against the discs between them, causing them to bulge out of shape. Bulging discs are a common cause of back pain, especially in adults over the age of 30. A bulging disc occurs when the gel-like center of the disc pushes out between the vertebrae, causing a bulge that presses on nearby nerves, causing pain and discomfort as well as decreased mobility in some cases. It can also occur if you have a degenerative condition such as osteoporosis or arthritis that weakens the bones in your spinal column.
SYMPTOMS OF BULGING DISC IN SPARTANBURG
A bulging disc can cause several different types of symptoms depending on where it is located in your spine and what nerves are affected by the pressure. Some common symptoms include:
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Tingling or numbness in limbs or other parts of the body
• Muscle weakness or stiffness in certain areas
• Difficulty bending or moving certain parts of the body
• Pain that radiates down into your legs or arms
It’s important to note that not all bulging discs will cause symptoms. In some cases, they may remain asymptomatic until they become herniated discs which require more aggressive treatment. It’s important to pay attention to how your body feels and to recognize any changes that could signal something more serious than just normal aches and pains from everyday activities.
CAUSE OF BULGING DISC IN SPARTANBURG
The most common cause of a bulging disc is aging. As we get older, our bones and muscles naturally become weaker as wear and tear take their toll over time. This weakening can cause the discs between our vertebrae to not hold up as well as they once did, leading to a bulging disc.
Here are some of the cases of Bulging Discs:
- Age-related Wear and Tear
As we age, our spine discs naturally become weakened due to general wear and tear. This weakening can cause them to bulge outwards when too much pressure is put on them. The most common type of age-related bulging disc occurs in the lower back (lumbar region). Other types may occur in different parts of the spine.
- Injury or Trauma
Injury or trauma to the spine can also cause a disc to bulge outwards. The most common types of injuries that can lead to a bulging disc are falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries (especially contact sports), and heavy lifting. In some cases, even minor incidents such as sneezing or coughing can lead to a slipped disc if there is already existing weakness in that area due to age-related wear and tear or another underlying medical condition.
- Underlying Medical Conditions
Some underlying medical conditions can increase your risk of developing a bulging disc. These include obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra slips over another), and spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spaces within your spine). If you have any of these underlying medical conditions, it’s important to talk with a chiropractic doctor at Trident Health & Chiropractic in Spartanburg about ways to reduce your risk of developing a bulging disc.
- Lifestyle Factors
Certain lifestyle factors can also increase your chances of developing a bulging disc. Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to weak muscles that put extra strain on your spine and make it more likely for you to develop a bulging disc. Being overweight can also put extra pressure on your spine that increase your chances of developing a disc issue as well.
TOP TREATMENT OPTIONS OF BULGING DISC IN SPARTANBURG
- Alternative Treatments
There are also alternative treatments that can be used to help relieve symptoms associated with bulging discs such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga/stretching exercises. Chiropractors at Trident Health & Chiropractic specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system such as bulging discs.
Chiropractors use manual adjustment techniques, massage therapy, ultrasound, electric stimulation, and other treatments to help reduce pain and restore mobility in the affected area. Additionally, chiropractors may provide advice on lifestyle changes that can help prevent future issues or flare-ups
- Dry Needling
Dry needling involves the insertion of fine needles into trigger points of the affected muscles surrounding the bulging disc. This technique aims to release tension, reduce muscle spasms, and promote healing by increasing blood flow. Many patients in Spartanburg have reported significant pain relief and improved flexibility after undergoing dry needling sessions.
- Vitamin C Drips
Vitamin C drips, administered intravenously, have gained popularity for their potential to accelerate the body’s healing processes. Vitamin C is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in collagen synthesis, which can aid in disc repair. By receiving vitamin C drips, individuals with bulging discs can support their body’s natural healing mechanisms and potentially experience faster recovery times.
- Stretching and Flexibility Exercises
Stretching exercises targeting the affected area can help reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility, relieving pressure on the bulging disc. Incorporate stretches that focus on the lower back, hamstrings, and hip flexors to alleviate pain and enhance mobility.
- How Hot and Cold Therapy Works
Hot and cold therapy can be used to treat bulging discs by reducing inflammation and providing temporary relief from pain. The heat increases blood circulation, which helps relax tight muscles in the affected area. This can reduce pressure on the disc, leading to less pain. On the other hand, applying cold compresses to the affected area can reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. This can also help numb the area so you don’t feel any discomfort.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE IN TREATING BULGING DISC IN SPARTANBURG
Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for those suffering from bulging disc pain in Spartanburg. Through spinal manipulation techniques combined with lifestyle changes like exercise modifications or dietary adjustments, chiropractic doctors Dr. Kyle Garbart are able to provide relief from the discomfort associated with bulging discs as well as promote overall healing of the affected area(s).
If you’re experiencing any type of discomfort due to a bulging disc issue in Spartanburg, contact us today at (864) 871-4951 to learn more about how we can help you manage your symptoms through chiropractic care!
