Do you have a disc bulge? Are you looking for treatment? Spinal decompression therapy may help you get back to feeling like new again. However like many, I am sure you have some questions such as what exactly bulging disc is…so, let’s start there.
DISC BULGE
A disc bulge is an apparent generalized extension of the disc beyond the outer edges of the vertebrae to which it is attached. More than 50% of the circumference of the disc must be beyond this edge and it typically does not extend more than 3mm.
The figure below is an example of a two bulging discs with a normal disc included for comparison. So, let’s start with the bulging discs, first, because they are easier to see and describe.
Circumferential Disc Bulge: The discs marked #1 is a bulging disc. The dashed line represents the outer edge of the underlying vertebrae to which the disc is attached. As you can see, the entire circumference of the disc is outside this dashed line, or in other words, the entire circumference of the disc is outside the vertebrae. Therefore, this is an example of a circumferential disc bulge.
Annular Disc Bulge: The disc marked #2 is also of a bulging disc. In this example, we can estimate at least 50% of the disc is outside the margin of the dashed line, or, underlying vertebrae and therefore meets our requirement of a disc bulge. In this case, we call this an annular disc bulge.
Normal Disc: The disc marked #3 is that of a normal disc. In this example, the dashed line also represents the outer edge of the underlying vertebrae to which the disc is attached. However, the disc itself does not extend beyond this dashed line and is therefore completely in line with the vertebrae to which it is attached and considered normal.
Disc bulges may be considered a normal aging process however, that does not mean it won’t cause pain. You can still get the same types of pain with more serious disc injuries like a herniated disc. If the bulge occurs in the lumbar spine your symptoms may include back pain, leg pain, numbness and tingling to name a few. If the bulge occurs in your cervical spine symptoms may include neck pain, headaches, migraines, arm pain, and numbness and tingling in the hands.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Spinal decompression therapy ranks as one of the best methods to treat disc bulges. It is extremely safe with very little side effects, if any.
Listen to one of our patients explain to you her experience with spinal decompression therapy in our office:
If you have a disc bulge, treating it with spinal decompression therapy in our Columbus, Ohio office could be the answer you are looking for. Call Dr. Larry Van Such to schedule your consultation to see if you are a candidate for this remarkable treatment.