Do you know the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc, or how decompression treatment can relieve back pain?
Knowledge is power, but any pain is pain. A bulging or herniated disc can cause enough discomfort that you end up searching the internet for hours trying to figure out what is wrong and what you can do to fix it. Thankfully, at Spinal Logic, we understand how frustrating it is to have an unnamed source of pain in your back.
Let’s learn about the differences between a herniated and bulging disc, as they’re two of the most common sources of back pain as you age.
The Anatomy of a Disc
Between each vertebra is a cushion called a disc, with a tough outer layer of a membrane (annulus fibrosus) and a softer inner sponge-like layer (nucleus pulposus). Together, these layers act like shock absorbers along your spine.
Do you remember jump roping or doing cartwheels as a kid? These discs let your spine handle the impact of jumping up and down while twisting and turning.
As we age, that outer layer hardens up or dehydrates, and one wrong move can cause enough damage to cause it to stop supplying the support it should, often resulting in a bulging or herniated disc. Welcome to back pain!
The Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc
A bulging disc results from the outer disc layer becoming compressed, shrinking the space between your vertebrae, and causing the inner layer (nucleus pulposus) to protrude into the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). Sometimes it’s an even bulge all the way around, and other times it’s targeted in a specific direction.
Unlike a bulging disc, a herniated disc is when the outer layer sustains damage and ruptures, allowing the inner layer to slip through the outer layer. Often, the herniation pushes through a single crack.
Both conditions can put pressure on the nerves along your spine, resulting in pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. You can feel these symptoms throughout the body since the spine anchors the nerves that travel to your arms and legs. The pain can be acute, chronic, or situational and happen at any age, though it’s more common after your mid-twenties.
How Decompression Treatments Help Bulging and Herniated Discs
Now that you have the knowledge, let’s turn it into power. Knowing the difference is great, but you’re ready for a solution.
At Spinal Logic, we use Non-Surgical Decompression Treatments to alleviate herniated and bulging discs without pain medication or invasive surgery.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved non-surgical spinal decompression therapy for disc injuries in 2001. It is the least expensive and least invasive way to treat spinal stenosis, herniated and degenerative discs, and disc injuries.
Spinal decompression reduces pain by producing a vacuum-like suction that reverses the high pressure inside the disc and pulls the protruding or herniated material back into the disc. With this kind of treatment, Dr. Mike uses traction to pull the vertebrae apart in distraction and relaxation cycles. During the procedure, pressure is released from the spinal discs and nerves, allowing water and nutrients to flow.
Remember, a lot of everyday damage to the spine results in compression of the discs. Chiropractic decompression stretches out the spine, alleviating the pressure and allowing your body to heal the bulges or herniations naturally. This happens because the spine can finally get the oxygen and healing it needs. Check out the success stories of some of our patients.
Call Dr. Mike at Spinal Logic Chiropractic Today
If you’re in Danville, Indiana, or the surrounding area, call us at 317-745-5111 and set up a consultation. Dr. Mike is well versed in herniated and bulging discs and serves people of all ages. Turn your new knowledge into the power of a healthier, happier you!
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Disclaimer: The information included in this article is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
