A bulging lumbar disc can cause pain and discomfort and interfere with your day-to-day activities.
If you’re experiencing pain from a bulging lumbar disc, chiropractic care offers a non-surgical solution.
In this article, we’re going to talk about recognising and treating bulging lumbar discs. We’ll also explain how Our Chiro Chiropractor Brisbane can help.
What Is a Bulging Lumbar Disc?
Your discs are spongy pads between each of your vertebrae (the bones in the spinal column). The discs act as a shock absorber, help the spine to flex and hold the vertebrae together.
A bulging lumbar disc is when the disc slips out of place into the spinal canal.
The “lumbar” refers to the area of the spine affected. The lumbar region of the spine is the lowermost portion, comprising five vertebrae.
Common Symptoms and Causes of Bulging Lumbar Disc
Some people may have a bulging lumbar disc but no symptoms. For others, symptoms can include:
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the buttocks and thighs
- Numbness, weakness or tingling in the legs
- Difficulty walking
A bulging lumbar disc can be caused by degenerative disc disease (DDD). This is when changes occur in the discs as a result of wear and tear or ageing.
A bulging lumbar disc may also be caused by an injury such as a car accident, a fall or a sports injury.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Alleviate Pain and Promote Healing
Chiropractic care is an effective way of relieving the pain of a bulging lumbar disc. One review found a significant improvement in symptoms after six weeks of chiropractic treatment (1).
Chiropractic care involves making adjustments to the spine to help with pain and mobility problems. This makes it an ideal treatment for bulging lumbar discs.
A chiropractor can use a variety of treatment techniques to address pain and promote healing. These include manual manipulation techniques, which use gentle pressure to realign the vertebrae and lessen pressure on the disc.
They may also use complementary treatments such as remedial massage to relieve pain and tension. Cold laser therapy is also effective in stimulating the body’s own healing processes. Or a customised exercise programme can help strengthen the muscles of the back so that the spine is well-supported.
Exercises and Tips for Prevention and Self-care
Exercises that strengthen the lower back can help prevent bulging lumbar disc. Here are some examples of exercises for strength and stability
- Bridge. Lay flat on a mat with your knees raised. Raise your hips so your body is in a straight line. Then, lower yourself down gently and repeat a few times.
- Back extension. Lay face down. Lift your chest while keeping your legs on the floor and your arms by your sides, raising them slightly as you lift. Repeat in sets of 5.
To help relieve symptoms, practice exercises for bulging or herniated discs: (*Check with your heath professional to see if this is appropriate for you)
- Spinal decompression. If you’re in the gym, hold onto a fixed bar and simply hang from it for 30 seconds, for 3 sets. You can use the top of a door at home. This relieves pressure by creating space between your vertebrae.
- Cat-cow pose. Use this yoga pose to open up the space between your discs. Start on your hands and knees. On an exhale, round your spine towards the ceiling (cat). Now inhale and direct your head and tailbone towards the ceiling, arching your back (cow). Switch between the two positions.
Visit Our Chiro Brisbane for Bulging Lumbar Disc
There’s no need to suffer with the symptoms of a bulging lumbar disc. Reach out to the team at Our Chiro Brisbane and find out how our experienced chiropractors can help.
You can also make an appointment online and take the first step to recovery today. Our Chiro Chiropractor Brisbane – Proudly servicing Brisbane, Newstead, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Bowen Hills.
References
1. Coulter, I., Crawford, C., Hurwitz, E., Vernon, H., Khorsan, R., Booth, M., and Herman, P. ‘Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis’, The Spine Journal, Volume 18, Issue 5p866-879, May 2018.
