Can Chiropractors Help with Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc causes pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. People often wonder if chiropractors can provide effective help. Chiropractors offer specialized care for bulging discs. They use non-surgical and drug-free methods. Chiropractors seek to address the underlying causes of a bulging disc. They can also relieve symptoms and promote healing. They use chiropractic manipulative techniques such as:

• spinal adjustments;
• decompression therapy.

It helps align the spine, reducing pressure on the affected disc. It also improves the function of the spine. Also, chiropractors may include:

• therapeutic exercises;
• stretching;
• lifestyle recommendations to support recovery and prevent future problems. 

It is important to determine the suitability of chiropractic care for your condition. But, it is important to consult with a chiropractor. That way you can get a comprehensive assessment. Read further about chiropractic help for bulging disc.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Effective for Bulging Disc?

Chiropractic care effectively relieves symptoms associated with disc protrusion. Individual results may vary. Studies and patient experiences show that chiropractic care is effective in certain cases.Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to:

• addressing the underlying causes of a bulging disc;
• promoting healing. 

They may include:

• spinal adjustments;
• decompression therapy;
• therapeutic exercises.

Chiropractor for bulging disc work for:

• improving spinal alignment;
• reducing pressure on the affected disc;
• strengthening the supporting muscles. 

By restoring proper function to the spine, chiropractic care aims to:

• pain relief;
• improve mobility and well-being. 

However, it is important to consult with a qualified chiropractor. So you can undergo a thorough evaluation. It will help determine the appropriateness of chiropractic care for your particular condition. Your doctor can then develop an individualized treatment plan. It will optimize the potential benefits of chiropractic care for a bulging disc. So now you know that chiropractors can help with bulging discs.

Bulging Disc Chiropractic Treatment Methods

Manual therapy is the main method in the treatment of these diseases. Manual therapy is not a massage but a treatment with hands. Chiropractors act on the human body to restore the correct biomechanism of movements. The impact is on the musculoskeletal system and other body organs. It can be internal organs, meninges, and others. Some techniques are good for bulging disc:

• Arthro-vertebral. The arthro-vertebral technique eliminates pain and inflammation due to spinal nerve decompression. As a result, it is possible to get rid of severe pain in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region.
• Post Isometric relaxation (PIR). It belongs to soft techniques and is easily tolerated. PIR procedures are comfortable and painless. And the movements of the specialist are neat and unhurried.

You can read more about chiropractors for bulging disc and other techniques below.

Arthro-vertebral

The arthro-vertebral chiropractic treatment method is a non-invasive approach. Chiropractors use it to address various spinal conditions, including bulging discs. It focuses on the relationship between:

• the joints of the vertebrae;
• their surrounding tissues. Its aim is to restore proper alignment and function to ease pain and promote healing. So the chiropractor can help for bulging disc in neck.

The arthro-vertebral chiropractic treatment method may follow these general steps:

• Assessment. The chiropractor will thoroughly examine the patient’s spine, including evaluating:

• the affected disc;
• its surrounding structures. 

This assessment may involve:

• physical examinations;
• reviewing medical history;
• potentially utilizing diagnostic imaging. It can be X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the presence and severity of the bulging disc.

• Spinal adjustments. Chiropractors will use manual techniques to perform spinal adjustments or manipulations. These adjustments involve applying controlled and precise forces to specific spine joints. The goal is to ease pressure on the bulging disc and reduce inflammation. Also, it restores normal spinal motion. Doctors perform chiropractic adjustments for bulging disc  by using the chiropractor’s hands or specialized instruments.
• Mobilization techniques. Besides adjustments, chiropractors may use mobilization techniques. These involve gentle stretches, oscillatory movements, or sustained pressure on the affected area. These techniques improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension. They enhance the disc’s healing ability.
• Soft tissue therapies. Chiropractors may incorporate soft tissue therapies into the treatment plan. These therapies include massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, or instrument-assisted techniques. These techniques help relax muscles, reduce tension, and promote circulation to aid healing.
• Rehabilitation exercises. Chiropractors may prescribe specific rehabilitation exercises to support long-term recovery. These exercises target the muscles, ligaments, and other supporting structures around the spine. A chiropractor use them for bulging disc in neck  Rehabilitation exercises may also include stretches and posture correction techniques. 

Post Isometric relaxation

Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) is a chiropractic treatment method. It is useful to address a bulging disc. PIR focuses on:

• releasing muscle tension;
• improving joint mobility in the affected area. 

The basic principle is the alternation of tension and stretching of muscles, due to which:

• the range of motion of the spine or joints increases;
• the musculoskeletal apparatus is strengthened;
• edema subsides;
• straighten the intervertebral discs.

Here’s a general description of this chiropractic treatment for  bulging disc :

• Assessment. The chiropractor will assess the patient’s condition. This assessment may involve additional examination.
• Identifying muscle imbalances. The chiropractor will identify:

• any muscle imbalances;
• areas of increased tension around the bulging disc. 

These imbalances can contribute to stress on the disc and hinder the healing process.

• Isometric contraction. The chiropractor will guide the patient through a specific isometric contraction exercise. This involves the patient applying gentle, sustained resistance against the chiropractor’s resistance. The isometric contraction is typically performed in:

• a specific direction;
• a position that targets the affected muscle group or joint.

• Relaxation phase. After the isometric contraction, the patient must relax the muscles completely. A patient has to breathe deeply. This relaxation phase allows the muscles to release tension and promotes relaxation.
• Reassessment and repetition. The chiropractor will reassess the patient’s muscle tension and joint mobility  for bulging disc in neck.

Spinal decompression therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is a gentle and non-invasive approach. It aims to reduce pressure on the bulging disc and ease associated symptoms. It involves stretching the spine to create negative pressure within the disc. It can help retract the bulging or herniated portion.

Here’s a description of how spinal decompression therapy is typically conducted:

• Assessment. The chiropractor will assess the patient’s condition, including evaluating of:

• the bulging disc;
• location;
• associated symptoms.

This assessment from chiropractor confirms the presence and severity for bulging disc issue.

• Preparation. The patient is positioned on a specialized device designed for spinal decompression. The chiropractor will ensure the patient’s comfort. A doctor secures them to the table to maintain stability during the treatment.
• Application of forces. The device applies specific forces to the targeted area. The device may use a harness or belts attached to the patient’s body. It focuses the traction on the affected disc.
• Controlled stretching. This device gently stretches the spine. It creates a negative pressure within the disc. This negative pressure can help retract the bulging or herniated portion of the disc. This chiropractic  relieves pressure on the nerves and promotes the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the bulging disc.
• Treatment session. A typical spinal decompression session may last between 20 to 45 minutes. But it depends on the individual’s condition and treatment plan. The chiropractor will track the patient’s response. A doctor adjusts the settings as needed for optimal effectiveness and comfort.
• Rehabilitation and supportive measures. In conjunction with spinal decompression therapy, the chiropractor may recommend specific rehabilitation exercises, lifestyle modifications, or other supportive measures to enhance healing, improve spinal stability, and prevent future disc issues.

When to see a chiropractor for Bulging Disc?

It is generally advisable to see a chiropractor for a bulging disc if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

• Back pain. Persistent or chronic lower back, upper back, or neck pain. Pain may worsen with certain movements or activities.
• Numbness or tingling. Sensations of numbness, tingling, or “pins and needles” in the back, buttocks, legs, or arms. These sensations can occur along the path of the affected nerve.
• Muscle weakness. Weakness or decreased strength in the back, buttocks, legs, or arms muscles. It can be a result of nerve compression or damage.
• Limited range of motion. Difficulty or pain when moving the spine or specific joints due to the bulging disc’s impact on spinal mobility.

Properly performed chiropractic procedures significantly improve bulging disc. They cut headaches and dizziness, relieve pain in the back and joints. Also, they normalize internal organs’ work. With the help of manual techniques, you can release the nerve endings that squeeze the displaced vertebrae or discs. Just a few procedures allow you to restore the mobility of the back and joints, remove muscle clamps, correct organic disorders and remove the blockade of nerve and vascular bundles. You can contact us for the best treatment options.