Non-invasive Treatment to Bulging Discs
With the exception of the first two vertebrae in the neck, there is an intervertebral disc between each vertebra of the spine. Discs act as a shock absorber and a shock distributor, and provide us with flexibility. The discs are made up primarily of water. The structure of a intervertebral disc is made up of two structures, the annulus fibrosus (the tough outer layer) and the nucleus pulposus (which contains a soft, gelatin-like center).
Intervertebral discs don’t really “slip”—although the phrase “slipped disc” has come into popular usage to refer to ruptured, herniated, or bulging discs. When cracks occur in the outer layer of the disc, the material inside of the disc can begin to push out creating bulging discs.
McKenzie Method for bulging discs is the leading treatment
The McKenzie Method is a biopsychosocial system of musculoskeletal care emphasizing patient empowerment and self-treatment. This system of diagnosis and patient management applies to acute, subacute and chronic conditions of the spine and extremities. Once the directional preference is found, McKenzie exercise treatment may begin with McKenzie exercises – exercises that are directly informed by the assessment. The goal is to centralize the patient’s pain rather than treat pain that is localized in a specific area (e.g., lower leg or arm). With bulging discs in the neck or back pain can peripheralize to the arm or down the leg. This can eventually lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs. Prolonged pain occurs when the treatments are focused on the site of the pain and not the cause of the bulging discs inflaming the nerve.
Mckenzie (MDT) prone lumbar press up exercise
Bulging discs and Chiropractic Care
With 80% of the population experiencing lower back pain at some point of their life bulging discs are commonly seen in our clinic. The good news is that bulging discs rarely require surgery and respond well to conservative treatment options like those provided at Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic. Examples of treatments used by the chiropractors at Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic or for bulging disc related problems include:
- specific self-treatment exercises (McKenzie method)
- spinal traction using specialized tables (Flexion-Distraction)
- Chiropractic manipulations
- Manual therapy (Dry Needling, Graston, Active Release Techniques)
- Corrective exercise (core and glute strengthening program)
Your treatment will also include education and self-management instructions to teach you how to control or eliminate your pain with proper posture and correct body mechanics.
The Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic approach to bulging discs
At Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic we offer a triad of care in treating your bulging discs. We provide Chiropractic care, Soft Tissue Therapy and Rehabilitation protocols to not only get you out of acute pain, but to prevent future occurrences by properly addressing your movement. The Chiropractors at Behm Muscle & Joint Clinic located in Bellevue, NE have helped many other patients with bulging discs. If you have any questions regarding your condition do not hesitate to contact us today at 402-292-1450 or schedule a consultation online.
About the author
Dr. Behm was born and raised in Papillion, NE. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and following his undergraduate studies was a certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT – National Strength and Conditioning Association) in the Omaha area for years, helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals. He received his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College – Kansas City. While in school, he received multiple certifications to increase his knowledge of the human body and how to properly assess and treat his patients. This translates into our integrative approach to Chiropractic care and our combination of therapies to better address your musculoskeletal complaints. Dr. Behm is excited to return to his hometown and serve the community around him.