Spinal Disc Bulge – Including Lumbar, Cervical, and Thoracic Spinal Disc Bulges

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?

• Back pain
• Arm pain and/or leg pain
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Postural changes

A spinal disc bulge – also referred to as a bulging disc, protrusion, herniation, or prolapse – is a common spinal condition that can lead to discomfort and various other symptoms.

The What, Where and How of Spinal Disc Bulges.

Spinal discs function as shock absorbers for the spine, acting like cushions between the vertebrae (spinal bones). It is common to experience neck and back pain due to spinal disc bulges, protrusions, or herniations. Additionally, some patients may experience radiating pain into the buttocks, legs, and feet (in the case of lumbar spinal disc bulges) or into the shoulder, upper back, arms, and hands (with cervical disc bulges).

According to Chiropractors, a spinal disc bulge occurs when an intervertebral disc (IVD) moves or expands beyond its normal boundaries. Many interchangeable terms are used for this condition, including disc herniations and disc protrusions. While a spinal disc bulge can cause pain and may require treatment, not all bulges lead to neck or back pain; some patients might only experience pain in the arms or legs.

In more severe cases, a spinal disc bulge may prolapse (indicating a severe herniation) or rupture, causing the material inside the disc to spill out into the spinal canal. This situation is serious and requires immediate medical intervention. The Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic provide effective treatment and management for spinal disc bulges, protrusions, and herniations.

Leading Causes of Spinal Disc Bulges

The common causes of spinal disc bulges, protrusions, and herniations include:

• Poor Posture or Ergonomics: Poor posture while sitting, standing, or working increases stress on your spinal discs and joints. Slouching, excessive bending, or continuously hunching your shoulders can lead to chronic overuse and overload of the spinal discs and joints.
• Load or Trauma: Direct or indirect trauma, such as car accidents or falls, can dramatically increase intradiscal pressure, particularly during activities that involve bending, lifting, or twisting.
• Lifestyle Choices: Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, family history of spinal disc issues, smoking (which degrades spinal disc cartilage), obesity, and poor nutrition can adversely impact spinal health.

How Do Chiropractors Treat Spinal Disc Bulges?

The Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic employ Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression therapy, a low-force, non-surgical spinal decompression method proven to treat spinal disc bulges and relieve associated discomfort. This therapy works by decreasing intradiscal pressure, thereby decompressing and reducing the bulging, protruding, or herniated disc.

Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression therapy have consistently shown significant success as the conservative therapy of choice for reducing spinal disc bulges and nerve root compression, effectively alleviating spinal pain. It is often described as “a gentle and effective non-surgical solution to the pain and dysfunction caused by a bulging disc.”

What the Science Says

Research has demonstrated the following outcomes achieved through Cox® Flexion-Distraction:

1. Reduction of intradiscal pressure to as low as -192 mmHg, alleviating pressure on pain-sensitive structures.
2. An increase in disc height space by 17%.
3. An expansion of nerve opening spaces by up to 28%, improving the passage of spinal nerves.
4. Restoration of the normal range of motion to the spine’s joints.
5. Enhanced sensory feedback from the body back to the brain (afferentation), creating a sedating and relieving effect on nerve conduction.

During your initial consultation, a comprehensive medical history and physical examination will be conducted to diagnose or confirm any suspected spinal disc bulge issues or injuries. Your Chiropractor will also prescribe spinal-specific stretching and strengthening exercises to aid recovery and promote optimal spinal health, allowing you to return to your normal activities of daily living (ADLs).

The Cox® Certified Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic possess extensive knowledge and experience in managing spinal disc bulge conditions. According to extensive research on Cox® Technic, 63% of patients with cervical and lumbar spinal disc bulges experienced a reduction in disc size on MRI when treated with Cox® Flexion-Distraction therapy.

In the USA, where Cox® Technic was developed by Dr. James M. Cox, Cox® Certified Chiropractors are recognised as “back pain specialists.” While this term is not used in Australia, our certified Chiropractors have dedicated considerable ongoing professional development to effectively treat bulging discs. The Doctors at Melbourne Spine Clinic and Malvern Chiropractic Clinic contribute to worldwide research on the outcomes of patients undergoing treatment using Cox® Flexion-Distraction.

At Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic, our Chiropractors utilise the most up-to-date research and clinical data to benefit patients. Our Certified Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression Chiropractors successfully treat all spinal pain conditions with safe, gentle, non-surgical, doctor-controlled spinal decompression therapy. Cox® Flexion-Distraction is a recognised alternative to spinal surgery for managing spinal disc bulges.