There are many different types of disc injuries and terms used to described them. One type of disc injury is called a bulging disc. A Bulging disc is when the inner portion of the disc (nucleus pulposus) presses against the outer disc wall (annulus fibrosus), causing it to bulge outwards. The disc bulge can cause the surrounding nerves to become irritated and inflamed, causing you pain.
Many factors decrease the strength and resiliency of the disc and increase the risk of a disc bulge. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, lack of regular exercise, and inadequate nutrition contribute to poor disc health. Poor posture, daily wear and tear, injury or trauma, and incorrect lifting or twisting further stress the disc. If the disc is already weakened, it may bulge with a single movement or strain such as
coughing or bending to pick up a pencil.
Mild to moderate disc bulges can usually be treated conservatively with Spinal Decompression Therapy, stretching, exercise therapy and chiropractic care. More advanced cases will often require Spinal Decompression Therapy in conjunction with chiropractic care.