What is a Bulging Disc?
Structure
The disc provides cushioning between two adjacent vertebras and allows for flexibility of the spine. In total there are twenty three discs that are found at intervals throughout your backbone that also serve as shock absorbers and keep together the structure of the spine. Size of these discs varies with the level of the spine. A disc is spongy in nature and has a tough cartilage called annulus fibrosus. Annulus fibrosus contains a soft jelly like material known as the nucleus pulposus.
The Bulge
Mostly a disc covers the entire space between two vertebras and is in alignment with the length and shape of the spine. A bulging disc occurs when a disc extends beyond its normal spacing. Analogically, bulging disc injuries are said to be similar to an oversized meat patty that bulges out of its bun.
When bulging disc injuries occurs, the tough outer cartilage, annulus fibrosus, expands in size. Even after becoming oversized for the two vertebras it resides between, the nucleus pulposus (the inner jelly like material) stays in its rightful place.
Symptoms of a Bulging Disc
The Nerve Story
It is common knowledge that the spinal cord is the relay station and has nerves running through it, enabling communication to and from the brain. These are known as the spinal nerves or nerve roots. Any disturbance in a section of the spinal cord can disrupt the passageway for these nerves.
How Bulging Discs Effect the Nerves
Bulging disc injuries can easily disturb or disrupt the smooth flow of the nerve roots. When a disc spills out of its normal spacing after becoming larger in size, it pushes against the nerve causing compression. With such a disc injury, signal transmission can cause symptoms of pain to arise in several different parts of the body. It is interesting to note however that for several individuals, a bulging disc is asymptomatic.
Chiropractics and Disc Injuries
Not only are chiropractic treatments effective in dealing with bulging disc injuries, they can help reduce pain and heal the injury in the long run. Through intense physical therapy, after a thorough examination of the patient, a bulging disc condition can be resolved. Several chiropractic practitioners will often make use of machines in addition to manual therapies. For instance, a disc compression machine is often utilized with disc bulging cases. The machine is a traction that applies a controlled amount of force to the area of concern.
We hope that you will find relief for your spinal condition under a chiropractic practitioner.
Image used under Creative Commons Licensing: Cervical vertebra english.png
