Have you ever heard of a slipped disc? It’s a misnomer. Discs never “slip”, but they can bulge. When they do a Waterloo chiropractor may be able to help.

Intervertebral disc disorders are referred to as "contained" or "non-contained." A bulging disc is considered a contained disc disorder.

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What is a bulging disc?

A bulging disc is actually the tough outer layer of cartilage in between your vertebrae that has not fully broken open - think of squeezing a balloon filled with hair gel. The disc may protrude into the spinal canal without pain or breaking open, instead, a small bubble pops out but remains attached to the disc.

Discs are exactly the right size to fit between your vertebrae so when a disc bulges, it extends outside the space it should normally occupy and can push into nerves in your spinal column.

Bulging is considered part of the normal aging process of the disc making bulging discs an extremely common spinal injury. A bulging disc can stay relatively pain free and undetected until you twist the wrong way, lift the wrong object, sneeze, or cough. A bulging disc can cause excruciating pain, lead to a diminished range of motion, and can in some cases cause organ dysfunction.

The good news is that even an acute disc bulge can heal itself over time and your chiropractor can likely help the healing process happen more efficiently.

Here are 4 steps you can follow to ease the pain of a bulging disc:

1. Develop a relationship with your Waterloo chiropractor

There are many bulging disc treatments; talk to your chiropractor and ask questions about your MRI or X-ray. Everyone is different and a good chiropractor can help you find the correct wellness path and will not close off any avenue to get you well.

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2. Improve your posture

Reduce or eliminate bending, lifting, twisting and even sitting for too long. Sleep on your back with your knees propped up, or on your side with a pillow between your legs. These simple adjustments will ease the stress on the disc in question.

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3. Strengthen your core

Your abdominal muscles and leg muscles all support your back. Modified yoga or Pilates routines that eliminate twisting, stooping or bending can help heal your bulging disc or help to prevent further damage.

Contact our team at O'Hara Chiropractic Office today if you are suffering with this problem. We look forward to hearing from you.