Bulging or Herniated Discs

Bulging or herniated discs are common physical conditions leading to severe pain and discomfort. These conditions occur when a spinal disc’s soft, gel-like center pushes through a weak or damaged outer layer of the disc, putting pressure on nearby nerves.

When this occurs, it leads to various symptoms, including pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. The first step in treatment is a careful and thorough diagnosis to identify the exact problem.

Causes of herniated or bulging discs

There are many potential causes of bulging or herniated discs, including age-related wear and tear, traumatic injury, and repetitive strain. Certain risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, can also increase the likelihood of developing a herniated or bulging disc. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

What is the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

While bulging and herniated discs may be used interchangeably, they are two different conditions. A bulging disc occurs when the disc’s outer layer protrudes outward but remains intact, while a herniated disc occurs when the disc’s inner material leaks out through a tear in the outer layer. Bulging and herniated discs can occur at any level of the spine, but they are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine). They can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Age-related wear
Repetitive motions
Poor posture
Trauma

Symptoms of a bulging or herniated disc

The symptoms of bulging or herniated discs can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. In the most severe cases, a patient may be experiencing bladder or bowel dysfunction.

Treatments for herniated or bulging discs at Arch Medical Group

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been found to bring positive effects on pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with cervical disc herniation. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that PEMF therapy reduced pain in 52% of patients following herniated disk surgery. PEMF therapy emits gentle pulses that can reduce inflammation and swelling, decreasing pressure on nerves, joints, muscles, and tissues.

Trigenics

Trigenics is a non-surgical treatment approach that combines manual therapy, exercise, and neurology to help alleviate pain and improve function in patients with herniated or bulging discs. It is a combination of muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, along with manual therapy techniques that target the affected area of the spine. The goal of trigenics is to reduce inflammation and improve nerve function, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Spinal decompression

Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment option for herniated discs that works by gently stretching the spine to change the force and position of the spine, taking pressure off the spinal discs.

Red light therapy

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. A study published in 2006 found that red light therapy effectively reduced pain and disability associated with lumbar disc herniation.

Why choose Arch Medical Group?

When you are treated at Arch Medical Group, you have access to some of the most advanced non-surgical, non-invasive technologies. A bulging or herniated disc is typically a painful or debilitating condition, and you may have been told surgery or pain medications are your best option. At Arch Medical Group, We believe that true health comes from getting to the root of the problem, not just treating the symptoms. We recognize you are unique, and your treatment should be fully customized to achieve the best result. Our comprehensive treatment plans utilize the latest technologies to relieve pain and help the body heal itself. We are here to help you live your best life.

Sources

WebMD: Spinal Decompression Therapy
ScienceDirect: Biological Effects and Medical Applications of Infrared Radiation
PubMed: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Using A Low-Frequency Magnetic Field In The Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Chronic Pain
Photochemistry and Photobiology: Low-Level Light Therapy Modulates Inflammatory Mediators Secreted by Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells during Intervertebral Disc Degeneration In Vitro
Pain Research and Management: Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial