Bulging Disc

[befit124]

What are my options for correcting this?

[towtheline]

more info

can you tell us about the severity of the bulge, what level, history, etc.

[Billy Guns]

I have two bulging and I would not worry to much about it unless you have alot of discomfort....Just train wisely and you will be able to overcome them....they are not a big thing that you should consider any type of operation to repair!!! Just train smart!!!

[satrianivia]

Befit: please give us more info: Level, Severity (bulge or rupture) how were you diagnosed, mechanism of injury, aggravating factors, ease factors. Type of job, Pain levels at rest, in the morning, night, with movements, etc...

[Toddbz]

Sounds like you may need to see a Dr. Or even a PT. Pain is something no one should have to live with if it's treatable. Definitely get multiple opinions from qualified people. You don't want the first quack that says you need to go under the knife. That stuff is permanent.

[satrianivia]

I have two bulging and I would not worry to much about it unless you have alot of discomfort....Just train wisely and you will be able to overcome them....they are not a big thing that you should consider any type of operation to repair!!! Just train smart!!!

agreed but some people need help in figureing out what they are doing wrong. for example look at the form of 90% of the people who are performing deadlifts on youtube and they are atrocious. But yes treated early so they are not allowed to progress and there will be no need for surgery. Also FYI most people over 40 will show some evidence of a bulging disk and they are asymptomatic.

[satrianivia]

Here is a book recommendation from a local back specialist here in my town. This is not a substitute for a medical professional but is a great resource. "Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie. Based on McKenzie principles for treating low back pain, which have been well documented and supported in the literature.

[satrianivia]

Sounds like you may need to see a Dr. Or even a PT. Pain is something no one should have to live with if it's treatable. Definitely get multiple opinions from qualified people. You don't want the first quack that says you need to go under the knife. That stuff is permanent.

second that...

[befit124]

Have any of you tried XL Decompression treatment

[satrianivia]

it is basicly just an expensive machine for traction and there is evidence to support its use. Assuming it is not a ruptured disk. Also McKenzie method of treatment uses a similar concept for treating disk herniations and I would definitly recommend using it in conjunction with the traction. Also emphasis should be placed on correct exercise form and general activities of daily living to prevent future recurrences. Because each time you reinjure it you will progressively make it worse till eventually the disk ruptures and becomes incompetent and then the only treatment approach with good outcomes are surgery

[satrianivia]

Explanation of a Bulging Disk

Quick Down and Dirty Anatomy Lesson:

Alright the image shows the annulous fibrosus which is basicly a bunch of layers of ligaments that hold the nucleus pulposa (gel like substance) inside the disk. The first image shows what a bulging disk really is so less discuss what happens to the person before this. The fibers of the annulous fibrosis tear and allows the gel like nucleus pulposa to push out a little. At first only a few fibers of the annulous is torn and the disk is ok but just weakened and slightly bulging with some back pain that usually subsides within a week. A few years later boom it happens agian and the person has worse pain but the disk is still ok because the annulous fibrosus is still say 1/4 left. Then say 5 years down the line boom a major pain starts in the back and is accompanied by shooting pain and numbness and tingling going down the line. This occurs because either the annular fibrosus is ruptured and the gel gets into the spinal canal or most commonly the canal where that level nerve root exists or the disk bulges enough posteriorly that it places pressure on the nerve.
The second picture shows the pressure on the disk aka annulous fibrosus during different positions of the spine. Now over time this continued pressure places enormous amounts of strain on the ligament till the fibers eventually give way. This is why it is important to get guidance on exercise form and other activities so that further injury to the disk can be avoided.

I know this is extremely brief... hehe at least to explain this concept but if anyone has any further questions then just ask or PM me

[deepmar]

^^^This is exactly what I experienced!! Do you still come on these boards?