Bulging & Herniated Disc Treatment in Vancouver
A bulging or herniated disc can sometimes contribute to neck pain, lower back pain, and symptoms that travel into an arm or leg. However, disc findings are common and do not always explain a person's symptoms.
At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess patients with back pain, neck pain, sciatica and other symptoms that may be associated with spinal disc problems to help determine what may be contributing to their condition and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
What Is a Spinal Disc?
Intervertebral discs are located between the vertebrae of the spine. They help distribute loads and allow movement between adjacent spinal segments.
Each disc has an outer fibrous portion, called the annulus fibrosus, surrounding a softer central portion called the nucleus pulposus.
What Is a Bulging Disc?
A bulging disc generally describes a disc that extends beyond its usual boundary. A disc bulge does not necessarily mean that a nerve is compressed or that the disc is causing pain.
Some people have disc changes on imaging without experiencing symptoms at all. For this reason, imaging findings need to be interpreted together with a patient's history, symptoms and physical examination.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc occurs when disc material extends through or beyond part of the outer portion of the disc.
Depending on its location, a disc herniation may irritate a nearby nerve root. When this occurs in the lower back, symptoms can sometimes extend into the buttock, leg or foot. In the neck, symptoms may extend into the shoulder, arm or hand.
The term “slipped disc” is commonly used by patients, but discs do not literally slip in and out of position.
Symptoms Associated With Disc Problems
Symptoms vary considerably and may include:
- Lower back or neck pain
- Pain extending into an arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Burning or shooting pain
- Muscle weakness
- Symptoms aggravated by certain movements, positions or activities
These symptoms can have several possible causes, so experiencing one or more of them does not automatically mean that you have a bulging or herniated disc.
Chiropractic Assessment for a Suspected Disc Problem
When you visit our Vancouver chiropractic clinic with symptoms that may involve a spinal disc or nerve, your chiropractor will first discuss your symptoms and health history.
Your assessment may consider:
- When and how your symptoms began
- Where your pain or other symptoms are located
- Whether symptoms travel into an arm or leg
- Whether you experience numbness, tingling or weakness
- Movements or positions that aggravate or relieve your symptoms
- Previous injuries or episodes of similar pain
- Your work, exercise and daily activities
The physical examination may assess spinal movement, mobility, strength, sensation and neurological function when appropriate.
If your symptoms or examination findings suggest that imaging, medical investigation or another form of assessment is appropriate, we can discuss referral rather than simply proceeding with treatment.
Watch: Understanding a Herniated Disc
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Disc-Related Symptoms?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some patients experiencing back or neck symptoms associated with a disc problem, depending on the individual's presentation and examination findings.
Treatment is individualized. Depending on your condition, care may include chiropractic manual therapy, mobility work, soft-tissue techniques, exercise and recommendations concerning activities or positions that may be aggravating your symptoms.
The goal is to improve function and address relevant musculoskeletal factors while monitoring how your symptoms respond.
If another form of care or further medical assessment appears more appropriate, we can discuss that with you.
Bulging or Herniated Disc and Sciatica
A lumbar disc problem is one possible cause of sciatic-type symptoms. If a nerve root contributing to the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, symptoms may extend from the lower back or buttock into the leg.
Learn more about sciatica treatment in Vancouver .
Disc Problems and a Pinched Nerve
A herniated or bulging disc can sometimes contribute to nerve-root irritation, although a “pinched nerve” can have other causes as well.
Learn more about pinched nerve treatment in Vancouver .
Disc Problems and Lower Back Pain
Disc changes are only one possible contributor to lower-back pain. Many people with back pain do not have symptoms caused primarily by a disc, and imaging findings alone do not determine the source of pain.
For more information, visit our Lower Back Pain Vancouver resource.
Exercise and Movement
Appropriate movement and exercise can be important parts of managing many types of back pain. However, there is no single exercise program that is appropriate for every person with a bulging or herniated disc.
Exercise selection should take into account your symptoms, examination findings, abilities and response to movement.
Watch: Lower Back Mobility & Exercise
When Disc Symptoms Need Prompt Medical Attention
Most episodes of back pain do not represent a medical emergency, but certain neurological symptoms require prompt medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:
- New loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the groin or saddle region
- Significant or rapidly progressing muscle weakness
- Severe symptoms following major trauma
- Other significant or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms
If you are uncertain about new or worsening neurological symptoms, obtaining appropriate medical assessment is preferable to ignoring them.
Looking for Bulging or Herniated Disc Treatment in Vancouver?
If you are experiencing persistent back pain, neck pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling or other symptoms that may involve a spinal disc or nerve, an appropriate assessment can help determine what may be contributing to them.
At Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates, our Vancouver chiropractors assess patients with back pain, neck pain, disc-related conditions and associated musculoskeletal symptoms and make treatment recommendations based on the individual findings.
New patients are welcome.
Book a Chiropractic Appointment
Or call 604-733-7744
