If you’re reading this then chances are you’re in a lot of pain. You either suspect you have, or have been diagnosed through medical imaging scans- a bulging disc. Treatment is important, but having an understanding of the process helps to deal with the pain.
The term “bulge” to describe this process is often interchanged with “herniated”, “prolapsed” or “slipped”. They all mean the same thing, that being, the material between your vertebrae has moved from where it should be and is now pinching/compressing one of your spinal nerves as it exits your spinal canal/cord.
If this sounds too confusing, allow me to paint an analogy I often use with my patients… Think of a Jam Doughnut. The whole thing is a simple way to represent a typical spinal disc. The jam centre represents the soft centre of your disc, known as the “Nucleous Pulposus”. Don’t get caught up on the name- just think of the jam being squeezed out of the doughnut onto the garden-hose (your pinched spinal nerve) putting a kink in it that stops the water (nerve impulses) travelling to the garden (your muscles & skin).
You’ve all put a kink in a graden hose before, right? Well the water stops when you do this just the same way the nerve impulse stops running through the nerve properly and your muscles’ function and sensation in areas supplied by the compressed nerve are affected.
Lets say you have a C5/C6 bulging disc causing compression of the C6 nerve. C = Cervical = neck vertebrae. 5 = the fifth vertebrae from the top and 6 is the sixth.. Anatomy is simple once you know! The C6 nerve supplies skin sensation on the thumb side of your forearm and muscles that flex your elbow and wrist, like the biceps. So you could expect to have pain and weakness in the bicep and tingling or numbness in the forearm.
The same is true if the bulging disc is in your low back or lumbar spine. Only this time the muscles that are affected with pain and weakness are in your legs and feet and the change in sensation in your skin is also in that same area.
Myths – Do’s – Don’ts
Myth - 1: You can get your “disc put back in” if you see the right person. This is complete rubbish. Please do not listen to anyone who says they can put your bulging disc “back in”. When I hear of patients heading off to see some quack who claims he/she can do this- I cringe. I challenge you to put the jam back in the doughnut after you’ve squeezed it out! Impossible, right?! Same is true of a bulging disc- can’t be done. I will tell you what can be done to limit your pain so read on.
Do - 1: If you haven’t already- get some scans, either Cat-Scan or MRI. If I was under the age of 50, I’d go for a MRI because there’s no radiation. Excessive radiation causes cancer and in my opinion, we are exposed to enough of it without choosing to be exposed to more when you have a less radio-active choice (MRI). You can see an Osteopath or your GP for this. It costs you the same. Information is education and when battling this problem, having a good understanding of what is exactly going on, helps. Scans allow for greater understanding and they allow your osteopath to tailor your specific rehab and teach you what you can expect to happen during your bulging disc treatment.
Don’t - 1: If your bulging disc is in your low back then Don’t sit for longer than 20mins at a time. You can push the jam harder out of the doughnut if you do causing you greater pain and loss of function. If you do need to sit for work then prop your spine to be as straight as possible, with a pillow or cushion in your low back to support the normal inward curve.
Do – 2: Have some anti-inflams and pain killers at the ready. There’s going to be times when you’ll need at least some pharmacy products to help take the edge off. Start with over -the-counter products such as Panadol and Neurofen/Voltaren. If this isn’t enough- time for a visit to your local GP for some stronger meds.
Don’t - 2: Don’t freak out. Depending on the severity of your bulging disc you will be in pain for some time..not forever. Getting results with a bulging disc can take time to determine the most appropriate course of action- but you will get there. Just find yourself a good Osteopath (I would say that:-) and a good GP who will guide you back to full recovery.
Myth – 2: Rest. Noooo. Resting makes pain worse! Seems illogical but it’s true. Be sensible of course. Going and riding your mountain-bike off road for 2 hours is obviously not smart but find the “low-Impact” middle ground. Water walking and even jogging in water is a great option.
Do - 3: Always remember- Core is King. If you happen not to know what your core is- think of your abdominal muscles wrapping around your mid-section like a corset. When you contract/tense the core, it helps take a great deal of pressure off your spine by distributing the weight through the core/corset. One of the main reasons we are susceptible to bulging discs is due to the fact that our entire upper body (60% of the body’s mass) is sitting on a vertebrae half the size of your fist. The only other support this vertebrae has is your core musculature. And it only works when you decide to contract it- this is a concious process- not like the unconcious contraction of your heart muscle, you actually have to decide to switch your core “on”. If you are new to this concept- then you will need to be shown. For everyone else- remember that a spine only gets injured when you change body position. Bend, lean, stoop etc. So when do you contract your core?? Exactly! Whenever you change body position!
Do – 4: Do get some bulging disc treatment. Yes, I have said that you shouldn’t believe anyone who says they can put your bulging disc “back-in” BUT this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get treatment. When your disc bulges it irritates many muscles in the spine around the bulge and this can cause your body to become compensated in many other areas, increasing the overall pain and level of impact on your ability to function normally.
Remember- your disc can remain bulging and even show signs of nerve compression and you MAY NOT feel any pain. That’s right- many people walking around normally and in no pain have bulging discs sitting on nerves. For some reason however, they are not in pain. My theory is that their sleeping giant (bulging disc) is not being irritated through poor habits of posture, sitting, bending, etc. Through appropriate and effective hands-on treatment and rehabilitation programs, many of you can achieve this state of relative comfort too.
Do - 5: Call your GP immeadiately of you have numbess or loss of sensation in the saddle (perineal) area or change in urinary or bowel habit- retention or loss of control. In this case your bulging disc in the low back may be pinching a nerve essential to the proper on-going function of these areas and emergency spinal decompression is required. Again- this is why everyone who suspects they have a disc bulge should get scans and should see their osteopath. Professionals are trained to spot these warning signs.
There are many other things you should be doing and shouldn’t for that matter, but these are some of the more important ones that I recommend. Remember- you don’t have to suffer in silence with a bulging disc- much can be done to improve your symptoms and send the Giant back to sleep!
Give me a call anytime if you’d like to know more about bulging disc treatment, or just drop into the clinic in Stones Corner.
Enjoy the journey!
Ps: Please feel free to leave comments and ask questions. I will answer your questions to the best of my knowledge (and as soon as I can) but will respond privately to the email attached to your comment to allow for a level of privacy.
The comments that you leave will be viewable by all, (if appropriate) and I hope some of your shared journey will give hope to others suffering similar pain. In my opinion, knowing that we are not alone in our personal struggle in life is a huge part of winning the battle, so I thank you all for sharing your story.
If you would prefer to contact me privately, please visit the website contact page and leave a message there.
AC
PPS: Oh, and if you gained benefit from what you’ve read just now, please feel free to “Like”, “Tweet” and “Share”. Thanks again.
I have been recently been told that I have a bulging disc. I don’t have the pain in the back area but in the hips, pelvic area and at night I find it hard to fall asleep, my hips, knees and even ankles hurt at night in bed.
Is this usual?
Hi Anthony
Would like some advise I have a bulge near my C6 t1-t2 ish , I’m with a Chiro at the moment who’s taken XRays. I see a remedial massage at least twice a month, this has been going on for at least a month and half now. I am very active training in the gym 6 days a week, the pain is extreme but I train around it and medicate when it’s at it’s worste. Just wanting to know what else I can do to help the healing process, I use fish oil , glucosamine with msm etc to try and get the inflammation down but doesn’t seem to do much at the moment .
Thankyou for this advice. It is the beginning of the journey for me.
Hi,
I have a twisted pelvis which causes pain in the lower back and sometimes the sacrum. I have been told my SI joint is out, but not sure if that’s true. I have orthotics in my shoes which helps a bit with walking.
You helped my husband last year with his back problem, so wonder if you could help me too. I’ll call tomorrow for an appointment in case you don’t see this.
Thanks
Wendy
Hi mate,I have a bulging L3 I think it is but Im in no pain and have been strengthening my core with a fit ball,your right exercise does help,my question is does the bulge ever go away,Im trying to get my Dr to clear me for pre injury duties but the MRI tells him its still a bit swollen,very frustrating indeed
Hi,
Where do I start, for about 10 months now I have had what you call a chronic back pain where the pain is in my hips, buttock and lower back. I’ve had x rays, CT scans and they have shown nothing, my back seems to be fine. I have been to a number of chiro’s and osteopaths you can poke a stick at, but no one that has made any sense and I think the care factor is a tad low. I’m seeing a chiro now and he is starting to make sense saying I have a bulging discs but its bulging back into my spine which you can’t see it on scans except if I get a MRI which he thinks it will show up. He is treating me with traction therapy ( by stretching my spine) which seems to be working ( for 3 weeks) until last night I have had a little hick up but not as bad as normal when my back seems to go to crap. I guess what I’m asking is what do I do now I have read your articles and you seem to make alot of sense, do I go to my doctor and request to get a MRI?
Hi,
I had a fall at work 4 months ago, at first work doctors said it was muscle soreness and that sometime the brain can make us feel more pain. After 2 months my physio finally said I needed a MRI, once done they found a prolapsed dics c5-c6 which is pushing on my spinal cord. I went to see a neurosurgeon and he sent me for nerve root blocks, it did help for about 2 weeks. I am now waiting to see the neuro surgeon to see if surgery is necessary.
I have lots of trouble sleeping, I wake every 2-3 hours really stiff and having to crawl out of bed, I then sleep in an arm chair till that’s to painful. I have troubles standing for long periods, sudden movements sometimes cause sharp pains to go thru my neck to my arm pit. Sometimes when my arm is bent my arm starts shaking only that arm will shake. I don’t have serve pain but it does become irritating, so I stretch ect.
I am seeing a physio and currently on light duties from work.
I just want to be able to continue my career but it involves heavy lifting ect.
Also I want to look at allay options before surgery..
Hi a close male friend of mine has has numbness in his right leg ‘quad’ made him go and get scans and he has bulging disc he Is a PT but a typical male who hates doctors what’s the best treatment it’s been a wk and he still can’t feel his leg?
Kelli Dilleen
Hi, I have a bulging disk in the L4 L5 area and I suffered a lot from pain for the first 4 months , had difficulties urinating and very sever pain , thanks to some pain killer and some streching and back to gym on one leg forcing myself walking and doing exercices got back in shape after 1 year , but still having some little pain in my leg from the sciatic nerve while bending down for more then 4 month but stil can play many sport activities specially my favorite sport volley ball , just wana ask for how long I’m gona still feel that pain in my left leg , thanks
Hi Anthony,
Thank you for all this info! It has helped greatly.
I have a history of back pain. I had cortisone injections in my lower back last september which helped a lot. However due to lifting (hair and makeup kit) I noticed my left foot feeling numb and tingly recently along with low back pain and terrible sciatica. I’m on my feet with many long days standing doing hair and makeup.
I went to my GP at first point of call and he has put me on Lyrica and I just wanted to know if this is the best medication for me to be on?
Thanx, I’ve been diagnosed with a bulging disc by a GP from a work injury and they have sent me home to rest for a week but I feel I should be doing something to fix it or repair the problem to stop the pain and get on the road to recovery, the GP did say not to just lay around and to do little bits at a time determined on the pain but reading this has given me a better understanding of the injury and a bit of a timeframe to recovery which is reassuring to know. It is alot worse in the morning and if I sit or stand for to long it seems to lock up and gives me great pain to move from that position, so its a constant battle to be comfortable but there is an end to this so thanx for the info.
I have just read your item on Bulging Discs. You have put my mind at ease. I am 66yrs and have had this terrible problem now for about 4/5 months. I have been having Western Accupuncture for the past 5 weeks and I don’t think it is any better. The needling was so painful. Sometimes I have no pain until I stand then I get the pins and needles and bad pain in my right leg and shin and not as bad but some in my left shin. I have sat a lot in the past, more so since I lost my husband 4 years ago and I semi retired. I will re- read your article and follow your suggestions to try ease my pain. I have been going twice a week to physio and I cannot afford this at $69 a session. Thank you again, I feel so much better knowing that this is not a permanent thing, although it has felt like it. Have a great day – Sharyn
Hi. I had my bowen therapist 4 months ago say get an X-ray you have something no right when the physio I was also seeing for a sore back said I was ok. X-ray and CT said lower compression and bulging disk. My dr wants me to get a epidural and kortozone injection. That is a last resort! I am having Bowen and ciro appts every week. But some days good with some pain and this weekend just can not walk without major pain. On homeopathic tablets, turmeric and flaxseed oil every day. Tens machine when needed. some one said Chiro is not good but Physio. But the Physio I was seeing did not think I had a real problem and I was not improving. What else can I do. I live in a regional town and limited specialists. Should I get my dr to refer me to an Osteopathy and what can they do as I have to travel some 1600km to see one.
Hi you are dpot on i have two bulgling discs wow never exp pain like it . its my left side that hurts numbness down leg i cant sit propley i have deep tissue masage it was hell .. cant sleep .. but i have found ice helps.. im thinking of acupuntre?.. How long can this last..
I’m only 19 years old (female) and I suffer from disc bulges.
My first sign was extreme lower back pain and I had a muscle spasm and had to go to hospital as I couldn’t move, at this point we had no idea it was disc or even spine related. It was the worst pain I have ever felt. I attended physio and they predicted it was disc related but at this point I hadn’t gotten a scan.
A few months later when we thought I was all healed, I joined a gym and started working out. 6 weeks into this and I was experiencing tingling numbness in my legs and feet. I didn’t link this to the disc bulge until my doctor said that’s what it could be and I remember thinking “Here we go again…” So joining the gym backfired for me. I was doing too much too soon and it only aggravated the disc further.
I soon had an MRI that proved I had disc bulge in L3-S1 and also in T12. There is a minor tear in T12 and also disc dehydration is present.
So I haven’t been back to the gym since but I have been swimming and doing bilateral breathing (freestyle) and I haven’t had any pain since. Only sore arms from swimming! Swimming helps strengthen the back muscles. (and every other muscle in your damn body I reckon!)
I do plan to go back to the gym soon to do light exercises, core strengthening and some cardio work. but nothing to intense as of yet.
I also lightly bounce on an exercise ball for 5 minutes a day which I hear is good for the discs.
I highly recommend swimming and in particular bilateral breathing and walking in the water to everyone suffering with disc bulge! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I plan to make swimming part of my every day lifestyle from now until forever. I never want to experience the horrible pain of an awoken giant disc(s) ever again.
Hi Anthony,
I really enjoyed reading your site.
A while back I was injured and subsequently suffered bulged discs at C5 and C6 level, one bulge pushing against nerve causing severe pain in my neck, left back and shoulder, and down my left arm; another bulge on the inside of the disc pushing against my spinal cord but no pain/symtoms.
I have had an X-ray and MRI to confirm injury. For the first 4 or 5 weeks I have not experienced any worse pain! Unbelievable!
I have been on strong pain killers but not anymore. I have had a nerve root injection, which seemed to help the pain reduce.
I am no longer in pain but am very stiff and am still guarding the neck area.
I have been off work for 12 weeks and have just returned to work on restricted duties part time, whilst seeking physio treatment.
Thankfully I am getting better, SLOWLY.
My question/s are…
Will I ever be 100% fixed? (or will this always be a weekness which I will have to live with and adjust my lifestyle?)
Will the bulges go away? (completely or partially or not at all?)
I am only in my thirties and very active. I am a regular at a gym doing cardio and lifting weights. I have a hands on job and a hands on lifestyle.
Thanks again.
Hi there. I have been having major neck pain for well over a year and FINALLY was able to convince my GP that I wasn’t making it up (after trialling chiropractor,massage, and physio). He did X-rays, which obviously showed nothing, and after crying in his office and begging, he referred me for an MRI in July. I JUST got the results this week after calling every week, and it turns out I have TWO bulging discs. C5/6 to the left and C6/7 to the right. I don’t have the classic numbness and weakness, although this does happen sometimes. Mostly I feel the pain in my neck, and I have VERY omitted movement of it. I knew I had the one bulge, but knowing there is one on each side explains the bilateral symptoms. ANYWAY..long story short, my dr has told me that nothing can be done. I find this very hard to believe and at 32 y/o I am not ok only being able to move my head about 3 inches. Any info or help you could give me would be very much appreciated. I try not to let it get to me, but I am still relatively young and thinking that this could be long term is very depressing. Thank you again in advance.
Hi Anthony,
I am wondering if you could help me… Back in August as I was taking down a suitcase from the overhead compartment on a plane with my right hand I felt like I pulled a muscle in my arm (bi-cep area) as I took it down. I left it for a while thinkin if would come right but it didnt. I mentioned it to my physio & he did some work on it for few weeks but as I was not getting any relief he suggested I go for an MRI as he thought the problem was a disc in my neck touching off a nerve which was going into my arm. The MRI result said there was a slight protrusion on the C5/C6 disc on the left side yet the pain was on my right? I decided I would go for acupuncture but this also did not help after 4 sessions. It still continues to give me pain so I am just wondering would an Osteopath be my next port of call to help with this problem or what would you recommend? Thanks in advance…
Hello ~ I was just told by my neurologist that a recent MRI showed 3 bulging neck discs. He said because the spinal cord itself was not being compressed, there was nothing he could do. He didn’t refer me to anyone else, just said nothing to be done. Because of the amount of pain I’m in, I can only assume that a nerve root is being compressed. When I was younger, all I had to do was start lifting light weights regularly, and the pain went away. Now, it radiates in a triangle from my neck to my shoulder and down to the inside of my shoulder blade when using even the lightest of weights. Might I benefit from injections to the nerve in order to build muscle back up to better support my neck? At the moment, the pain gets so bad that it’s affecting my enjoyment of life … I want to be proactive. What can I do?
Hi Anthony, could you please take the time to explain to me, in layman’s term, the following: paracentral/foraminal disc protrusion with annular tear causing foraminal stenosis. And a broad base bulge causing central canal stenosis and left foraminal stenosis. I would greatly appreciate it, thanks, Keri
Hi Anthony
Have just read some of your information relating to budging disc.
Have a few issues my self, if you wouldnt mind answering if possible.
I have pinched nerve in my c4/ c5, compression fractures, norrowing , scoliosis
Of the thorasic and lumbar. These have been treated with pain mediactions
For the last 4 yrs. Now in the last month i have a work related injury . Bulging of
My L 6/S1 with quite a lot off pain. Also being treated with pain meds and antiflam.Im still working , very reluctant to take time off
Have a referral to neuro surgeon, will start hydro therapy this week. Whats your
Best adive for me at this time give limited amount of information ive give.
Would appreciate any help .
Thank you
Wendy
Hi Anthony,
Six months ago I coughed and after a firework sensation in my right arm developed reduced sensation in my outer three digits, my thumb and forefinger are normal. Approximately one month later, the same occurred in my left arm with a burning hot/cold sensation to my elbow. Again, about a month later, the same occurred in my left leg and after a short time I also noticed reduced sensation in my right leg. At this point I attended my GP who referred me for an MRI of my C Spine which a has shown a significant protruding disc impinging on the spinal cord, C5-C6. I am scheduled for surgery next week. I don’t have significant pain, just what feels like tired shoulders and reduced sensation/tinging bilaterally in both legs and arms, the left side being worse than the right. In recent weeks I have noticed the same reduction in sensation across my abdomen and and lower back. My lower back has now become stiff. My question is: is it possible my symptoms are all related to the C5-C6 disc.
Thanks
G’day Anthony, I am 38 I work as a fitter and have just been diagnosed with a budged disk in my lower back. My question is will this prevent me from working or is it a part of life that you learn to live with it
hi, i have three buldging discs and one compressed disc, in my lower back, i have severe pain in my lower back and have for nearly seven years. i have in the last year startedto suffer from severe pain in my hips knees and ankles, i have regular sleeping patterns of only about hours a night as the pain is to severe.
Am unsure which path to follow as have seen many doctors and most are just stumped.
thanks Summer
Hi Anthony
I have recently had an MRI and told I have a protruding disc at C5 which is pressing on the nerve. I dont have arm pain but I do have bad stiffness in my neck to the point where sometimes I need to use both arms to assist in turning my head with my neck to turn over.
this has been going on for 2 years since I “put my back out” carrying my daughter after she lerched forwards. I initially had massage and acupuncture which made it worse, then cupping then rest, then osteopath. I got relief from the osteo but found that as soon as I did anything for any length of time like clipping the hedges, painting (I was careful to stay at shoulder height as much as possible). I find that when I am moving around I am fine, but sitting still is a killer! I am taking neurophen about twice a day, mostly at night. I find that when I turn sometimes, there is a pinch, not all the time though. I try to stretch and have stayed away from overhead weight machines at the gym. Mostly walking again now. Any suggestions? I want to avoid surgery but don’t want to be stuck on painkillers permanently. thanks for any help you can give