Slipped disc series 2/2: What to do if you have a slipped disc, herniated, prolapsed or bulging disc?

Prolapsed or bulging disc: What to do if you have one. 

Following our last blog where we discussed 5 of the main slipped disc myths, in this blog we talk more about what causes herniated and bulging discs. We also discuss how you can help yourself if you suspect you may have one.

Of course, if you are ever in doubt whether you have a ‘slipped disc’, herniated, prolapsed or bulging disc, we’d recommend booking in to see us for an initial consultation. We can help to identify potential prolapsed disc issues. (And, just before you ask all of the terms we have used refer to the same thing!)

What causes movement of the disc for it to bulge?

There are many reasons why someone may have a bulging disc. The two main causes are wear and tear to the disc itself or damage to the surrounding spine.

Wear and tear to the disc

The disc can become less resilient to biomechanical stresses as we age. Commentary suggests wear and tear of the disc can occur because of improper movement and misalignment leading to a wearing of joints. It also goes towards more general reasons such as poor hydration and reduced flexibility due to age.

Damage to the surrounding bony structures: The spine

Trauma and injuries can create changes within joints and can also affect surrounding structures. This may be the case with compression fractures, for example. Bony fragments can cause small imperfections in the outer disc layers and this, in turn, can create weak points where bulging discs can arise.

Suspect you have a bulging disc or slipped disc? 

STEP ONE: Get it checked out

This seems so basic in terms of advice. That said, we’d put money that most people will instinctively prefer our other tips than this one. Whilst it’s really easy to put it off, knowing exactly if you have a slipped or bulging disc is key towards knowing how best to manage it. It’s actually quite simple for us to test for at our initial consultation session if you’d like us to check. Whilst we find it common for many to fear that they have a slipped disc, we find it is also common for there to be many other causes to create low back pain or sciatic type pain, as if it were a slipped disc. 

STEP 3: Try Chiropractic care – being mindful of its limitations

There are some studies to suggest that Chiropractic care may assist with pain reduction and functional mobility where there are disc issues.

Current general consensus, however, is that there isn’t enough research to make claims that either Chiropractic or Osteopathy may help the discs directly. As a result it stays off the list of things we can help with and is not listed specifically on the Advertising Standards Authority list of what Chiropractors can and can’t help with.

Indeed many Chiropractors also believe that some adjustments at the level of a bulging or slipped disc are contraindicated (a no-no), especially where there is found to be significant impingement on nerves.

Similarly, for the sake of complete clarity, there is no evidence to suggest that a herniated disc can ‘slip’ back into place. Additionally, as you would expect, Chiropractic care can not assist with putting back ‘nucleus pulposus’ material once it has has herniated out. In these circumstances often more medical routes are necessary, such as surgery.

How can Chiropractic care help whilst staying safe and appropriate?

So, the focus of any Chiropractic care often remains around the area instead where there is sufficient rationale for care to proceed. Whilst this may seem counter-intuitive on the face of it, such focus around the joints concerned help to mobilise or take additional forces off the mechanical structures of the spine and joints and many do report some form of benefit or relief, albeit not at the level to say it is appropriate or effective for everyone.

A key benefit of Chiropractic care when the treatment research remains low

Chiropractors are trained to identify where there are issues relating to slipped discs or disc bulges. If we can help at Connective Chiropractic we will and, if not, we will refer you to another healthcare expert who can.

We find that many incorrectly self-diagnose that they have a disc issue. It is common to find from our in-clinic testing that things aren’t always as bad as they may at first seem and are often able to help.

STEP 4: LOSE WEIGHT

Research shows that many factors can increase your likelihood for disc issues, including being overweight or obese. Did you know that the likelihood of getting positive treatment outcomes (regardless of the type of treatment) reduce also if you are obese.

STEP 5: STOP SMOKING

Research shows that smoking can affect the general health and recovery rate of the discs and increases the risk of slipped discs and bulging discs