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What's the Difference between Bulging and Herniated Discs

What's the Difference between Bulging and Herniated Discs

Back Pain Treatment and Chiropractic Care from a Chiropractor Near You in Tacoma, WA, for bulging and Herniated Discs

Back pain can be triggered by a range of issues. While the terms "herniated disc" and "bulging disc" may be used interchangeably in general settings, these conditions can affect your spine in different ways. At Bakke Chiropractic Clinic, we believe that educating our patients may be key to successful recovery and optimal treatment options. Whether you're interested in traditional back pain treatment, spinal decompression solutions, or other chiropractic care techniques in Tacoma, WA, we at Bakke Chiropractic Clinic can help you on your road to recovery with gentle manipulations and non-invasive options.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc is when a spinal disc begins to protrude out of its normal boundary between the vertebrae in the spine. Bulging discs are comparable to balloons that are being squeezed. While the spinal disc itself is bulging outward, its outer exterior layer remains intact. Oftentimes, bulging discs can result due to chronic underlying conditions or due to age-related degeneration.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, on the other hand, involves a complete rupture, break, or tear in the exterior layer of the affected spinal disc. When a disc is herniated in the spine, a gel-like substance will leak out, causing significant pain, compression of nerves, and in some cases, neurological symptoms.

Comparing Symptoms of Herniated and Bulging Discs

Both conditions vary in specific ways:

  • Bulging Discs: Bulging disc symptoms often cause localized, dull, aching pains with occasional numbness/tingling.
  • Herniated Discs: A herniated disc will trigger more intense pain and may trigger sciatic nerve pain. Herniated symptoms typically appear suddenly after a strain or injury.

Treatment of Bulging and Herniated Discs

When seeking help from Bakke Chiropractic Clinic, you may be presented with the following treatment options:

  • Bulging Disc Treatment: Physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and lifestyle modifications may be recommended.
  • Herniated Disc Treatment: Intensive spinal decompression therapy, targeted exercises, and in some instances, ongoing targeted therapy sessions may be optimal.

Get Spinal Decompression, Back Pain Treatment, and Chiropractic Care from a Chiropractor Near You

Understanding the differences between a herniated and bulging disc may help you determine whether seeking holistic back pain treatment from a chiropractor near you is right for you. If you're located in Tacoma, WA, we at Bakke Chiropractic Clinic are here to help. Call us at (253) 472-3365 for spinal decompression, back pain treatment, and chiropractic care from a chiropractor near you.

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Bakke Chiropractic Clinic

Monday:

9:30am -12:30pm

2pm - 6:15pm

Tuesday:

9:30am -12:30pm

2pm - 6:15pm

Wednesday:

9:30am -12:30pm

2pm - 6:15pm

Thursday:

Appointment Only

Closed

Friday:

9:30am -12:30pm

2pm - 6:15pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

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