Are you suffering with a herniated disc or just a bulging disc?
This weekend I went to a continuing education seminar for my X-ray license at Life West Chiropractic College in Hayward, CA. Dr. Bryan Gatterman, D.C., DCBR, spoke about Degenerative Joint Disease through Kinematic Imaging.
The seminar was very interesting as Dr. Gatterman explained that most of us have bulging discs in our lower back as we get older and are completely unaware of it. The radiologist also went on to explain how to determine the difference between disc bulges and herniations on MRI films.
I found this topic extremely important in terms of my practice in Livermore since I have many patients who present to me with lower back pain and a diagnosis of disc herniation. Once an MRI film is taken, often times, the report will state that they only suffer with a disc bulge. What does the difference really mean?
Well it can mean a lot of different things to different physicians and radiologist but what it means to a person suffering with back pain is what is really important. Here is how to distinguish the two:
- A bulging disc is a part of the disc that protrudes outward but is completely contained within the walls of the disc. This will most often be asymptomatic and therefore will not cause any problems and can go undetected for years.
- A herniated disc, is a part of the disc fluid that protrudes outward that isn’t contained within the walls of the disc which will allow it to encroach on the spinal cord, nerve roots and other structures. This form will most often present with back pain and often times radiating pain into the extremities.
So what does this really mean to you? Well a lot. Because understanding the difference between the two will determine what type of treatment is really necessary and how to take better care of your spine.
Disc bulges are apparently normal in most people. They are often times not very serious but they can lead to herniations. So if a bulging disc is your diagnoses, then conservative treatment such as chiropractic adjustments, traction, acupuncture, exercise (such as Pilate’s) and physical therapy would be adequate.
Disc herniations that involve the spinal cord, is more serious and surgery may be necessary. In my practice, I have treated disc herniations very successfully if the herniation encroached on the nerve roots.
Most people do not understand their diagnosis of disc bulges and herniation and knowing the difference can mean the right type of treatment with the greatest amount of results.
For more information on this subject, email me at drhaque [at] haquechiropractic [dot] com
