What Is the Difference Between Bulging and Herniated Discs?

If you have chronic back pain, the cause may be an issue with one or more of the discs in your spine. Two common disc problems that cause this pain are bulging discs and herniated discs. What exactly is the difference between these two conditions? Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options from our chiropractor near you.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

Discs are soft, flexible cushions between the vertebrae that absorb shock and allow spine movement. A bulging disc occurs when the outer fibrous layer of a disc weakens, allowing the gel-like inner nucleus to push out. This creates a bulge that extends outside the disc space.

A disc can start bulging for reasons including aging, straining the back, improper lifting, or trauma. A bulging disc may start to press on nearby nerves, leading to symptoms like back pain, radiating numbness, reduced mobility, stiffness, and pain in the legs.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is often also called a ruptured disc. This means the disc is damaged enough that the inner nucleus pushes completely through the outer layer. This material can then leak out and press directly on the spinal nerves.

A herniated disc may be caused by injury, repetitive strain on the back, or degenerative changes. Symptoms are like a bulging disc but often more severe, such as, shooting back pain, numbness, muscle weakness in the legs, worsening pain when moving, and extreme pain.

Treating Bulging and Herniated Discs

Our chiropractor at Ozone Park Chiropractic in South Ozone Park, NY, can provide effective, non-surgical treatment for both bulging and herniated discs. Treatments may include:

• Spinal adjustments to improve alignment and mobility
• Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the back
• Soft tissue massage and stretching
• Traction to gently separate vertebrae
• Lifestyle advice on posture, ergonomics, and more

In some cases, medication or epidural steroid injections may also provide pain relief. However many patients find long-lasting relief from targeted chiropractic care.

Call Us Today for Back Pain Treatment in South Ozone Park, NY, Today!

Do not wait to address disc issues causing chronic back or leg pain. Our expert at Ozone Park Chiropractic can help diagnose the problem and create a customized treatment plan. Contact us today at (718)-848-6663 to schedule an appointment and get back pain relief.