Spinal discs are located between each vertebra of the spine. These discs act as cushions that absorb shock, support movement, and help protect the spine during daily activities.
Each spinal disc contains two main parts:
- Nucleus pulposus – a soft, jelly-like center
- Annulus fibrosus – a strong outer layer that surrounds and protects the center
When a disc becomes damaged or weakened, the inner portion of the disc may begin to push outward. Depending on the severity of the damage, this can lead to disc bulges, disc herniations, disc prolapse, or disc extrusion.
Symptoms of a Disc Injury
Some people may have a disc injury without feeling pain. However, others may develop symptoms when the disc places pressure on nearby spinal nerves.
Symptoms of a lumbar disc problem may include:
- Low back pain
- Buttock pain
- Pain traveling into the thigh, calf, or foot
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Muscle weakness
If the problem occurs in the neck, symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Arm pain
- Tingling or numbness into the hands or fingers
- Weakness in the arms or hands
What Is a Disc Bulge?
A disc bulge, also called a disc derangement, occurs when the disc becomes compressed and extends outside its normal position.
In this stage, the inner jelly-like center of the disc remains contained within the outer layer of the disc. Although the disc bulges outward, the annulus fibrosus has not fully torn.
Disc bulges may cause stiffness, pain, or pressure on nearby nerves depending on the size and location of the bulge.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc develops when the nucleus pulposus pushes through a tear in the annulus fibrosus.
This means the inner portion of the disc breaks through the damaged outer layer and extends beyond the disc itself. In some cases, the herniated material may place pressure on nearby spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Herniated discs commonly occur in the lower back and neck.
What Is a Disc Prolapse?
A disc prolapse occurs when the disc shifts out of place and protrudes into the spinal canal.
This condition may create mild pressure or irritation on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Disc prolapse is often referred to as a disc protrusion.
Symptoms can vary depending on how much pressure the disc places on nearby structures.
What Is Disc Extrusion or Sequestration?
Disc extrusion or sequestration is a more advanced stage of disc injury.
This occurs when the nucleus pulposus completely breaks through the annulus fibrosus and separates from the disc itself. In some cases, the body may naturally absorb small disc fragments over time.
However, larger disc extrusions may continue to irritate spinal nerves and sometimes require surgical evaluation or treatment.
Stages of Degenerative Disc Disease
Disc bulges, herniations, prolapse, and extrusion are often part of the progression of degenerative disc disease.
Over time, repetitive stress, poor posture, injuries, aging, inflammation, and spinal instability may contribute to disc degeneration. As discs weaken, they become more vulnerable to tearing and displacement.
Early treatment and proper spinal care may help reduce pain, improve movement, and slow the progression of degenerative disc disease.
Disc conditions commonly develop from age-related wear and tear, also known as degenerative disc disease. Over time, repetitive stress, poor movement patterns, and aging can weaken the spinal discs, making them less flexible and more prone to bulging, tearing, or herniation — even from minor twisting or lifting.
Common Causes of Disc Problems
- Poor nutrition and missing nutrients important for bone and muscle health
- Physically demanding jobs involving repetitive lifting, bending, twisting, pulling, or prolonged sitting
- Genetics and inherited spinal weaknesses
- Poor posture, muscle imbalances, and improper lifting mechanics
- Tight hamstrings and anterior pelvic tilt
- Weak core muscles from lack of exercise
- Trauma such as falls or car accidents
Treatment for Disc Conditions
The first step is identifying the specific type of disc condition. From there, treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving movement, and slowing or preventing further disc damage.
Many patients experience recurring disc problems because the underlying causes were never fully corrected. This may happen even after surgery. Proper spinal care, posture correction, strengthening exercises, and lifestyle changes are important for long-term recovery and prevention.
In the acute phase it is important to centralize and reduce pain and inflammation. Patients often use NSAIDs during this phase, which is only appropriate for a very short period of time. It’s important to note that NSAIDs can often slow down the healing process and should be taken in moderation. As an alternative or in addition to, Dr. Nathan Eldredge at Alta Mountain chiropractic recommends regenerative therapies that induce the body’s healing response; such as supplements, Prolozone and Homeopathic injections.
Rest and ice or cold packs can give symptomatic relief. Limit the ice or cold packs to 15-minute increments the first 48 hours of onset. Subsequently applying heat for 15 minutes once per hour is most helpful in the healing process.
Lumbar or cervical stabilization along with decompressing the nerve root to reduce the herniation is necessary. This is frequently done through spinal decompression or spinal distraction. In conjunction, making sure to have good lumbar support while sitting is important.
Restoring good biomechanics through spinal manipulation is very helpful with disc herniation’s or disc conditions. Dr. Nathan Eldredge understands that disc patients are in a high amount of pain when they come to our office. So, he evaluates when to start spinal manipulations/adjustments and only starts with gentle adjusting techniques when the patient is ready.
Evaluating for muscle imbalances is very important. Many of our patients here at Alta Mountain Chiropractic are given exercises or stretches to do at home that will help stretch sore and tight muscles in addition to strengthening the focused area. These exercises should be performed without pain, although some degree of soreness is to be expected after exercise. Maintaining good posture while sitting or lifting will help future problems from arising.
Massage therapy, including myofascial release, trigger point therapy, relaxation massage and more can be very beneficial for disc patients when the time is right. Initially, a new hot disc may not be able to endure a massage due to muscle spasming or pain. However, as the patient improves with their condition, massage can be incredibly beneficial. We have fantastic Massage Therapists here at Alta Mountain, that discuss your condition and particular needs with Dr. Nathan Eldredge to get the best treatment possible.
Physical exercise or movement is very important in the healing process. Such as walking, swimming or biking as tolerated. It is recommended to do some sort of mild aerobic activity for up to 20 minutes at a time within the first week. Prolonged sitting or laying down without much motion slows healing.
Imaging such as X-rays or MRI may or may not be needed depending on the case and presentation of the patient. Dr. Nathan Eldredge will do a thorough exam and determine at your first visit if imaging is needed to treat your condition.
If you are suffering from neck pain, low back pain or disc herniation please give us a call at 801-523-2582 or schedule online (Click here) so that we can start helping you with this serious condition right away.
