Bulging or Herniated Disc

What Is a Bulging or Herniated Disc?

Have you been told your back pain may be the result of a herniated disc or bulging disc? Your spinal discs are fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between your vertebrae, the bones that make up your spine. These discs change as you age, drying out as you age and becoming more brittle. This can cause a decrease in the amount of space between the vertebrae and result in significant changes in posture and mobility.  

Aging isn’t the only cause of disc problems. In younger adults, the center of the disc (nucleus) is held in place by many rings of the disc (picture a cross-section of a tree trunk). With minor or major injuries, poor posture, and stress, these rings can rupture allowing a pressing outward of the disc nucleus. Finally, as the nucleus reaches the outer edges, the disc can begin to bulge, which in turn can rub and irritate nerve roots exiting your spine.

MVPT Physical Therapy provides physical therapy services to help patients diagnosed with bulging and herniated discs. Request an appointment today to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for a herniated disc, and allow us to help you get back to feeling your best.

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Request an Appointment Today!

Symptoms of a Bulging or Herniated Disc

Common symptoms of bulging or herniated discs include: 

  • Weakness in the legs
  • Pain when bending or twisting
  • Pain that gets worse with sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending
  • Burning, numbness, or tingling in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.

If you suspect you have a herniated disc or other back pain issues, MVPT Physical Therapy can help! We recommend that you schedule an evaluation with our physical therapists as soon as possible.

Physical Therapy Can Relieve Herniated Disc Pain

The majority of bulging and herniated disc symptoms can be treated conservatively (without surgery!) with physical therapy. At MVPT Physical Therapy, we can offer you non-invasive treatment modalities that promote healing in a safe and natural way. 

Our team of movement experts will customize your treatment plan to fit your unique needs while reducing your need for prescription medication or surgery. By understanding your medical history and symptoms, and performing an assessment of your spine, our physical therapists can help you reduce pain and regain function to return to the activities you love most.

Your treatment plan will be created to help relieve your symptoms by reducing pressure on the disc by improving joint function, muscle strength, and posture. Our physical therapists work with you to recover lost strength and range of motion. In addition, we then provide you with exercises to maintain good posture and reduce the risk of future pain symptoms!

Request an Appointment Today!

If you have a herniated disc or bulging disc, there are non-surgical treatment options to help you. Call MVPT Physical Therapy today to start your recovery!