Can a chiropractor help with disc bulges in Grand Rapids MI?

Millions of Americans suffer from disc bulges every year and millions more have disc bulges that are undiagnosed. If you are suffering from pain and discomfort there is hope for getting back to the pain-free lifestyle that you had. In this blog, we will discuss what a disc bulge is and how as a chiropractor we help those with disc bulges.

What is a disc bulge in Grand Rapids MI?

You have probably heard someone say they slipped a disk, which means they probably had shooting pain in their back or numbness in fingers and toes. What they mean to say is they have a disc bulge. A disc bulge is when the center of the vertebral disc shifts from its center and pushes on the outside which presses against spinal nerves.

To understand a disc bulge you have to understand that the vertebral disc is made up of two different sections. The center portion is made up of a vicious gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus. This semi-movement section allows for bending and twisting while maintaining the weight. The second section is the annulus fibrosus which is a cartilaginous ring that holds in the nucleus pulposus and connects the two vertebrae.

The vertebral disc allows for movement of the spine as well as being the primary weight bearer and shock absorber. Each vertebra and its disc share the weight of the spine. Since the spine has a designed curve it helps make sure each vertebral disc is not overloaded and cause injury. Misalignment and major structural shifts cause the spine to be overloaded and cause stress on the vertebrae. In these cases, the disc may experience too much stress all at once and bulge or cause herniation. The disc can also slowly degenerate over time, which will lead to a disc bulge or herniation. In either case, it is important to change the biomechanics to relieve the extra stress on the disc.