Disc Bulge

      Ponca City Oklahoma Chiropractor Dr. Leon Bristow, D.C. talks about what a disc bulge is. First we need to understand what a disc is. A disc is the fibrous material that the body uses to hold the bones of the spine together yet provide the space needed to allow us movement between these bones. The disc must support the weight of the body above it just like the bone does. This means it must be both strong and highly flexible at the same time. The disc must support the weight of the body above the disc no mater what position it is in and yet allow movement at any time. This is a complex task to provide both strength and flexibility at the same time. The disc is said to be like a jelly doughnut. It has a soft more fluid like center surrounded by layers of fibers that are wrapped around the soft center to hold it in place. This is basically what a disc is.

       Now that we understand what a disc is we can describe what a bulge in the disc. A bulge is a tear in some of the fibers that surround the fluid center but not a complete tear through all of the surrounding fibers. This partial tear in the fibers of the disc allows the fluid center to shift or bulge out into the torn fibers but not completely out of the disc. Thus in a bulge the fluid center is pushing out through the damaged material but has not escaped yet. This produces the bulge. The outward bulge of the disc can put pressure on other structures like a nerve. When it compromises a nerve then you usually have pain or other associated symptoms. When a disc bulge puts pressure on a nerve you can have a loss of function to what the nerve goes to. This could be muscles, organs, or glands. This is in addition to any pain that may be associated with the compromised nerve.

      A bulging disc can be a serious problem or it can be a minor problem but it is not to be taken lightly. If the right things are not done the disc bulge will often get worse. This is one problem where delaying proper treatment will likely make matters worse not better. The good news is that a bulging disc can be treated without surgery. When the proper things are done without delay many people recover without surgery. For more information call 580-762-7634.

Return Home from Disc Bulge