Herniated Disc Treatment

Spinal Disc Conditions

Disc Bulge: Definition

A disc bulge occurs when the tough outer fibers of the spinal disc weaken and stretch allowing the jellylike center of the disc to expand “bulge” outward in all directions (360 degrees). A disc bulge is another term for disc degeneration and can cause pain directly from the disc or by compressing other structures containing nerves.

Herniated Disc: Definition

A herniated disc occurs when an event occurs that exerts traumatic forces into the disc forcing the jellylike center outward through the tough cartilage fibers. The displacement of center causes tearing in the cartilage fibers which can cause pain as well as possible compression of important tissues like the spinal cord or spinal nerves. The events that cause a herniated disc include car crashes, sports injuries and slip and falls.

Disc Bulge / Disc Herniation: Symptoms

The majority of symptoms caused by a Disc Bulge or Herniated Disc are related to irritation of spinal nerves. These nerves exit the spine through small holes called foramen. The spinal discs are located next to these nerve passageways, and the bulging of the disc material can “pinch” these nerves, thereby creating a variety of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating symptoms.

Disc Bulge / Herniated Disc of the Low Back: Lumbar Spine Disc Bulge

A Disc Bulge in the low back can cause low back pain or numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pain or weakness in the legs or feet. Sharp pain in the back of the legs is often referred to as Sciatica.

Disc Bulge / Herniated Disc of the Neck: Cervical Spine Disc Bulge

A Disc Bulge in the neck can cause neck pain, or in more severe cases, numbness, tingling, burning, sharp pain or weakness in the arms or hands.

Treatment: Using Hill DT Non-Surgical Spinal Disc Decompression

Thoracic Disc Herniation

Chiropractic treatment

Due to the limited motion in the thoracic spine caused by the bony barrier of the ribs, thoracic disc herniations are relatively rare. However, when they do occur, they can create much pain and dysfunction.

The surgical access to the thoracic disc is more complicated than other parts of the spine and may involve the removal of a rib to access an injured disc. This is a complicated surgery that can lead to other unintended consequences. Whenever practical and safe, conservative (nonsurgical) care, such as chiropractic, is advisable prior to the use of more invasive procedures, such as spinal injections or surgery.