Spinal disc herniation and bulging discs have nearly identical symptoms and can present almost in the same way. Both cause localized pain and nerve impingement and are treated similarly with chiropractic. In most cases, spinal disc herniation is not painful; it is the material that leaks out of the disc that causes pinching and inflammation and irritates the nerves around the area, causing radicular pain.
Radicular pain/nerve root pain radiates/spreads to other areas of the body, like the low back to the leg or the neck down the arm. Leg pain from a pinched nerve usually leads to sciatica. A spinal disc can be the source of pain if it is dehydrating or degenerating, causing pain and instability in the spinal segment, known as degenerative disc disease. Disc degeneration includes chronic, low-level pain around the disc and infrequent episodes of severe pain.
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Spinal disc herniation and bulging discs have similar roots that make them difficult to diagnose. Some core comparisons that can be made include:
How they differ:
It is the severity that separates them. Bulging discs tend to be more passive and can be treated with incremental adjustments, while herniated discs usually require a more aggressive adjustment approach.
How the injury affects the spine and overall wellness is the objective when diagnosing. Bulging discs are often associated with chronic pain that does not go away with time and needs proper treatment. Herniated discs are considered severe because of the disc fluid spilling/leaking out, affecting the surrounding nerves. Left untreated, bulging discs lead to intermittent nerve blockages/pinching and posture problems. Herniated disc left untreated leads to chronic nerve pain and permanent nerve damage, which can develop into a series of issues. This includes limited mobility and/or loss of feeling in the affected area.
Chiropractic diagnosis for bulges and spinal disc herniation is recommended because of the specialization in spine care and focusing on all symptoms. For example, although it is not typically this simple, analysis reveals tingling in the fingers, and sharp pain in the lower spine indicates herniation. Conversely, dull aches in the low back and down the legs indicate sciatic pain that can be traced to a disc bulge. Making the correct diagnosis is crucial in developing the right treatment plan. The wrong treatment plan could result in worsening the injury and creating new injuries. Injury Medical Chiropractic provides optimal care and education for patients to understand everything going on with their bodies.
Pain can be grouped into three categories:
Santilli, Valter, et al. βChiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations.β The spine journal: official journal of the North American Spine SocietyΒ vol. 6,2 (2006): 131-7. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2005.08.001
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The information herein on "Spinal Disc Herniation Chiropractic Reset" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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