Between each vertebra of your spine are discs, which act as cushions or shock absorbers for your spine. Each disc is composed of a sturdy outer wall of cartilage with a soft, gel-like inner core. When we are born, these discs are primarily composed of water, but as age advances, the discs dehydrate becoming thinner and causing the cartilage to stiffen. As you might imagine, this means each disc doesn’t absorb the shocks of everyday life as well.

These changes in your disc can cause the disc to bulge out or protrude and press against nearby nerves which can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from numbness and tingling, sharp, shooting, or achy pain, or muscle cramps. These can lead to difficulty with normal activities.

Treatment for bulging discs can range from lifestyle adjustments such as improving diet and exercise routines or adjusting sleeping and sitting positions. Pain management will depend on the severity of your condition. Treatments often begin with anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, acupuncture, and injection. In more severe cases, surgical options may be explored.

At our office, we offer minimally invasive treatments utilizing our body’s natural ability to heal, resulting in pain relief and improved function. In combination with the treatment, we recommend specific rehabilitation exercises and often formal therapy to improve strength, mobility, and endurance, allowing for maximal benefit from the procedure.