There are several common types of disc injuries that chiropractors can treat. You may have heard of bulging discs, slipped discs, and herniated discs, but what are the differences between these issues, and how can our practice help?
A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of one of your discs begins to bulge out beyond the edge of the surrounding vertebrae. This commonly occurs over time as your body ages. Your discs gradually become less flexible and start to bulge.
The symptoms of bulging discs develop gradually, and many people may have bulging discs for years and not even know it. Over time, though, you may begin to feel gradual back pain. Often, the pain starts out small and can be easily treated with pain medication. This won’t treat your bulging disc, though, and over time the pain will increase.
A slipped disc is actually another name for a herniated disc. This condition is generally more severe and occurs when the outer layer of your disc tears, causing the soft inner material to spill out.
Herniated discs usually occur in your lower back, but they can happen in any disc. This can greatly reduce the function of your disc, causing pain or numbness in your spine or limbs. Sometimes, herniated discs can heal over time on their own, but in many cases the consistent pressure as you move and twist your spine prevents the disc from fully healing.
When you visit our spine specialists in North Liberty, we’ll provide personalized care to treat your disc injury. Our methods are centered around relieving excess pressure on your disc and making sure your spine is properly aligned.
