Bulging Discs: Now What?
Bulging and herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but most commonly occur in the neck and low back. Disc injuries are some of the most common causes of low back and neck pain. They vary in terms of severity from mild irritations to bulges to herniations. The good news is, even some of the most severe types of disc injuries have the ability to heal without surgery!
WHAT CAUSES DISC INJURIES?
Herniated discs are typically caused by overuse injuries or trauma to the spine; however, disc conditions can also develop as a result of the normal aging process.
Some common causes of herniated disc are:
Wear and tear: Discs dry out and aren’t as flexible as they once were. This is a part of normal aging.
Repetitive movements: Work, lifestyle, and certain sports or gym activities that put stress on the spine, especially the lower back, can further weaken an already vulnerable area.
Lifting the wrong way: This sort of falls into the above category, but lifting without proper technique can cause disc irritation and injury.
Traumatic Injury: High-impact trauma can cause the disc to bulge, tear or rupture.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF A DISC INJURY?
The severity, location, and length of disc pain can depend upon which disc is herniated, how large the herniation is, and the enviroment you surround yourself with when healing.
Pain may spread over the buttocks, down the back of one thigh and into the calf
Pain may be in one or both legs
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or feet
Tissue tightness in the muscles of the low back, buttocks, hamstrings, or calf
Bowel or bladder changes
In severe cases inability to find comfort even lying down
Inability to fully straighten your neck or back
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms
Difficulty raising your arms above your head
Tissue tightness in the muscles around your shoulder blade, traps, neck and shoulder.
THIS SOUNDS LIKE ME. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
First, you should seek a medical professional. Self-diagnosing and treating is never a good plan and can sometimes stunt the healing process. Click here if you are in the Edwardsville area.
Bulging and herniated discs are often diagnosed by a combination of several methods. A physical exam, along with a full history of the problem will often lead to tests like MRI, x-ray, and myelogram with CT scan. From there, your doctor will work with you to find the best course of treatment.
CAN YOU DO REHAB FOR THESE ISSUES?
Absolutely. After a proper history, exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan. We immediately start rehab on the first visit. With that being said, the movements I’m going to share below or just some examples of a movement rx you might see when working with me. (these are not intended to self-treat or diagnose in place of professional medical help)
Sphinx Press-Up
Banded Cat-Cow Pelvic Floss
DNS Wall Resisted Deadbug Drill
Now remember,
I’ve got your back!
-Dr. Pablo
If you live in or around the Edwardsville area and are experiencing back pain or neck pain that doesn’t seem to get better, click here to work with our team and begin finding relief.
