Disc Bulge
What is a Disc Bulge?
A disc bulge occurs when the intervertebral disc between the vertebrae in your spine begins to protrude outward. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and limited mobility, especially in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine. Our treatments are aimed at reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing further issues with your spine. The osteopaths at Peak Osteopathy in Stanmore, serving Harrow, Mill Hill, and Edgware, specialize in diagnosing and treating disc bulges.
The anatomy of a Disc Bulge
The intervertebral discs are positioned between the vertebrae, providing shock absorption and allowing the spine to move smoothly. These discs have two main parts:
Annulus Fibrosus: The tough, outer layer that encases the inner gel-like material (equivalent of a ligament)
Nucleus Pulposus: The soft, gel-like inner core of the disc.
A disc bulge happens when the outer layer of the disc, the annulus fibrosus, weakens or tears, causing the inner nucleus pulposus to protrude outward. This protrusion may press on surrounding nerves or spinal structures, leading to pain and discomfort.
The bulge itself does not necessarily rupture but can still place pressure on nearby structures, potentially causing symptoms like sciatica (radiating pain down the legs). Commonly, lumbar disc bulges cause pain in the lower back, while cervical disc bulges lead to pain and discomfort in the neck and upper back. Nerves can be impacted if the bulge is big enough and comes in contact with the exiting nerve roots.
What Causes a Disc Bulge?
Disc bulges can develop due to a variety of factors:
Bad luck!: Sometimes, despite doing everything right, a disc bulge can happen due to the natural wear and tear of the spine or a sudden injury. Even if you don't have major risk factors, things like a slip, a fall, bending incorrectly or even sneezing can lead to a disc bulge.
Aging: Over time, the space between decreases causing more pressure to occur through the disc
Sedentary lifestyle: lack of movement and core strength can also predispose you to more risk and pressure through the disc layers
Poor Moving Ergonomics: Forward flexion, such as bending forward and reaching, or rotation, like twisting at the spine, can increase pressure on the intervertebral discs. Over time, these actions can cause the disc to bulge or put excessive stress on the spine, leading to a bulging disc, especially if done repetitively or without support.
Symptoms of a Disc Bulge
The symptoms of a disc bulge can vary, depending on the location and severity of the bulge. Common symptoms include:
Lower back pain: Pain in the lower back, which may worsen with prolonged sitting, standing, or lifting.
Neck pain: Pain in the neck which worsens over time especially with more compression.
Sciatica: Radiating pain down one or both legs, typically caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving or bending the spine due to muscle tightness or disc pressure.
Muscle tightness: Muscles surrounding the injured site will tighten up to help prevent additional or extra movement. This is a protective mechanism
Weakness or numbness: If the bulging disc compresses nearby nerves, it can lead to weakness, tingling, or numbness in the legs or arms.
Heavy Legs: Feeling of weakness or heavy legs can occur along with intense pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience severe symptoms, such as loss of bladder or bowel control, significant weakness in the leg, or extreme pain that does not improve with self-care, seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs of a serious condition, such as Cauda Equina Syndrome, which requires urgent intervention.
How Osteopathy Can Help with Disc Bulges
Diagnosing a Disc Bulge
An osteopath will begin the diagnosis with a thorough physical examination and a review of your medical history. Specific orthopedic tests, such as the straight leg raise test and Slump test for lower back pain, may be performed to assess nerve compression.
In some cases, imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the bulge. These tests can show how much the disc is protruding and whether it’s pressing on nerves. This is often recommend after a few weeks of treatment with limited to no improvement in symptoms.
Treatment for a Disc Bulge
At Peak Osteopathy in Stanmore, we provide tailored treatments for disc bulge that focus on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and strengthening the spine. Our treatments may include:
Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage to alleviate muscle tension and improve spinal mobility.
Exercise rehabilitation: A series of strengthening exercises designed to target the core muscles and provide better support for the spine. This can help prevent future injury and improve flexibility.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific movements and stretches to help provide relief, stability and encourage long term healing.
Postural correction: Educating patients on proper posture, lifting techniques, and ergonomics to avoid placing additional strain on the spine.
SAMPLE* Rehab Exercises for Disc Bulge
Two examples of rehab exercises commonly used to treat a disc bulge include:
Pelvic Tilt:
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Tighten your abdominal muscles and push your lower back into the floor.
Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat 10-15 times.
This exercise strengthens your core and promotes lower back stability.
Bridge Exercise:
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
Lift your hips toward the ceiling, tightening your glutes and core as you raise your hips.
Hold for 2-3 seconds, then lower your hips back down slowly. Repeat 10-15 times.
This exercise targets the lower back and hip muscles, providing support to the spine.
Benefits of Osteopathy for a disc bulge
Non-invasive and drug-free approach
Addresses the underlying cause of the condition
Provides immediate pain relief and long-term management strategies
Reduces the risk of recurrence
provides at home rehab skills to use for future.
Just feels good!
To find out more, you can read my article on all things Disc bulge, Disc Herniation and low back joint sprain and how to differentiate between them here.
Why Choose Us for Your disc bulge Care in Stanmore?
At Peak Osteopathy in Stanmore, we provide effective, personalised treatment for disc bulges that can help reduce pain, improve flexibility and support spinal mobility. If you’re experiencing lower back pain or believe you may have a disc bulge, you can find us at our Stanmore clinic, or around North London providing home visits. We tailor our treatments to meet your specific needs. Our goal is to help you:
Alleviate pain quickly and effectively
Restore mobility and function
Prevent future flare-ups through education and personalised care
Help you function at your peak
Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re struggling with low back pain, we’re here to help. Call us on 07563009045 to schedule an appointment or use our online booking system and click the button below. Take the first step toward a pain-free, active life today.