Herniated / Bulging Disc
What it is:
An intervertebral disc lies between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine and acts as a cushion and shock absorber. In a bulging disc the outer rim of the disc (the annulus) protrudes outward but remains intact; in a herniated disc the inner gel‑like core (nucleus) pushes through a tear or weakness in the outer rim.
How it happens / risk factors:
Repetitive bending, twisting, heavy lifting, poor posture, age‑related degeneration (loss of disc height/hydration) can all contribute.
Symptoms:
- ✅ Local back (or neck) pain
- ✅ Radiating pain, numbness or tingling if the disc presses on nerve roots
- ✅ Weakness in the region supplied by the affected nerve
- ✅ Sometimes minimal pain even with imaging changes
Why it matters for chiropractic care:
Chiropractors often see patients with these disc‑issues. Understanding whether the disc is simply bulging (less severe) or herniated (potentially more symptomatic) helps in triage, conservative management (e.g., manual therapy, postural correction, exercise) and referral decision‑making.