About Disc Bulge Disease

 At some point in our lives, most of us have experienced back pain, whether it be from sitting for long periods or lifting something heavy. However, if you’re experiencing pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness, it could be due to a disc bulge. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to disc bulges and how to treat them without surgery.

What is a Disc Bulge?

A disc bulge, also known as a slipped or herniated disc, occurs when the outer layer of the disc between your vertebrae weakens and protrudes outward. This can put pressure on the nerves that run through your spine and cause pain or discomfort.

Symptoms of Disc Bulge

Disc bulges can vary in severity, with some individuals experiencing no symptoms at all. However, if the bulge presses against a spinal nerve root, you may experience:

• Pain: You may feel pain in the affected area, including your back, neck, or legs.

• Tingling: You may experience a tingling sensation, also known as paresthesia.

• Numbness: You may lose sensation in the affected area.

• Muscle Weakness: You may experience weakness in your muscles, which can make it difficult to perform daily tasks.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a specialist who can diagnose and treat your condition.

 Disc bulge is a common condition that can be caused by various factors. The most common conditions that lead to disc bulge are degeneration, axial overloading (lifting), excess body weight, gradual wear and tear, spinal injuries, and bone spurs.

• Degeneration refers to the weakening of the hard exterior of the disc over time. This leads to a disc bulge that can cause discomfort and pain. Axial overloading, particularly among younger patients, can also cause a constant static load on the back that leads to a disc bulge. This is due to a sedentary lifestyle that does not promote back strength.

• Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, can put pressure on the lower back that the discs cannot sustain. This can lead to a disc bulge. Gradual wear and tear from intense physical activity, aging, any physical trauma, and even poor posture can also lead to a disc bulge.

• Spinal injuries, such as a fall, car accidents, sports injury, etc., can cause severe wear and tear in the spine to occur instantaneously, leading to a disc bulge or herniation. 

• Bone spurs, which are bony protrusions that are formed along the edges of joints, can grow into the disc space and often cause bulging discs.

In addition to these common causes, there are other potential causes of a bulging disc that include

• Repetitive trauma due to poor posture

• Heavy lifting, or injury

• People leading a sedentary lifestyle

• Weak back muscles or poor muscle strength

• Activities that put a strain on the spine

• Injury caused by a sudden load on the spine like a car accident

• Sports

• Obesity, and

• Smoking

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of a bulging disc to determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment.

 Traditionally, surgery has been the go-to treatment for disc bulges. However, advancements in technology have allowed for non-surgical treatments to be just as effective in treating disc bulges. At Borle Hospital, we use advanced German technology to treat disc bulges without surgery. Here are some non-surgical treatments we offer:

• Cell Repair Treatment

This treatment involves using laser technology to repair the damaged cells in your disc. The laser stimulates cell growth and improves the overall health of the disc, reducing pain and discomfort.

• Digital Spinal Posture Analysis 

We use digital spinal posture analysis to accurately diagnose disc bulges. Digital spinal posture analysis allows us to view your spine in 3D and identify the exact location of the bulge, ensuring targeted treatment.

• Isolation Treatment

This treatment involves isolating the affected disc and using traction to gently stretch it back into place. This reduces pressure on the nerves and improves overall mobility.

• Recurrence Management

Once your disc bulge has been treated, it’s important to prevent future back pain. Our recurrence management program includes exercises and lifestyle modifications to help you maintain a healthy spine.