Treatment Options For Bulging Discs

Ruptured, slipped, or herniated are all other ways of referring to bulging discs. They can cause extensive pain and discomfort, and can even be debilitating. One sign you might have a possible bulging disc is lower back pain. Dr. George Kollias, Dr. Autumn Scaz, and Dr. Landon Burt, the experienced chiropractors at Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy in Tampa, FL, treat bulging discs and can develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and needs. 

What is a Bulging Disc?

There are several discs along the spinal column that function to protect the vertebrae and prevent them from grinding or rubbing against each other. A hard exterior protects the soft center of each disc. However, an injury or other trauma can cause the soft center to protrude or bulge outward through the hard, protective exterior. When a bulging disc presses against the nerves in the spinal column, it causes the nerves to feel pinched. 

Signs of a possible bulging disc include:

• Muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness 
• Pain in the lower back and legs
• A burning or tingling sensation
• Overactive reflexes
• Numbness 

Several factors can cause a disc to become bulging or herniated. Using the back muscles to lift heavy items versus the legs is one way spinal discs can become ruptured or bulging. Automobile, sports, and other injuries are another cause. Bulging discs can also be the result of normal wear and tear over time. Aging increases the risk of developing bulging discs as a result of wear and tear. 

Treatment Options

Bulging discs are treatable. Many effective methods are available for alleviating the pain and helping the damaged discs to heal. Some options for treating bulging discs at our Tampa, FL, chiropractic and massage therapy practice include:

• Physical therapy
• Muscle stimulation
• Stretching exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Therapeutic massage
• Therapeutic ultrasound 
• Spinal decompression 
• Trigger point therapy 
• Cold laser therapy  

Treatment might also include other components, such as pain relief medications, ice or heat, and rest. In the most serious cases, surgery might be necessary to correct a bulging disc. Our knowledgeable providers can determine the best course of treatment and make recommendations specific to your symptoms and needs.

If you have lower back pain due to bulging discs, we can help. Our chiropractic team will develop an individualized treatment plan just for you. For the treatment of a bulging disc in Tampa, FL, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kollias, Dr. Scaz, or Dr. Burt by calling Sheldon Road Chiropractic & Massage Therapy at (813) 884-1457.