What is a DISC BULGE? 🤔💥

The Chiro from The Chiro - Lower Hutt

Commonly referred to as a ‘slipped disc’, a disc bulge occurs when enough stress is applied to the soft, shock-absorbing discs that sit between each vertebrae. The central part of the disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes on the supportive outer layer (annulus fibrosis), causing it to ‘bulge’ past its natural boundary.
The intervertebral discs are important as they ensure optimal movement of the spine, provide cushioning to the spinal column, and allow for translation of force/weight through the spine.
A disc bulge can vary in severity, and therefore also vary in symptomatic presentation. It doesn’t just depend on the size of the bulge, but more so its location and the extent of nerve involvement:

🟣 Mild - may cause no symptoms, or just mild local pain.
🟣 Moderate - causes discomfort and pain, and compensatory muscle response.
🟣 Severe - considerable local pain, and my also press on the nerve root causing neurological symptoms. 💥
Disc bulges can often be managed conservatively with chiropractic care, restorative movement, and strength work. Understanding the repetitive stressors that have contributed to the disc injury is crucial, so that lifestyle modifications can also be made. 🏋️‍♀️
A thorough assessment can provide enough information to determine the extent of the disc involvement, and therefore the appropriate plan of care. However if the disc injury is more severe, referral to a specialist for further diagnostic testing and imaging, like MRI, is likely. 🕵️‍♂️🩻📑
Our spines are not invincible! Ensuring we are doing the best we can to look after them, keep them moving and functioning well, and allow them to adapt to the stressors of our lives more appropriately should be a priority for everyone! 🧠⚡️🙌
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