- The intervertebral disc acts as the shock absorber between the vertebra above and below. When they are hydrated and healthy, they keep the spine flexible. Think about the disc as a jelly filled doughnut with soft, squishy interior and tough, fibrous exterior. When the nucleus pulposus (jelly) begins to push on the annulus fibrosus (outer part of the doughnut), it can herniate/slip/protrude/bulge through some of those outer layers.
- When that occurs, the pressure inside the disc increases greatly. This can often cause significant, debilitating pain. Depending on the size of the herniation or bulge, the disc can encroach upon the nearby nerve root which would likely cause radiculopathy like symptoms such as sciatica (radiating pain). Some patients on the other hand can have a herniated or bulging disc but to a lesser degree.
- Diagnostic imaging might reveal a disc that is in the process of degenerating on its way to a herniation or rupture. While a patient might not feel any symptom at the current time, the spine is likely in a biomechanical distorted state causing undue forces which can lead to weakness, numbness, or tingling.
- Corrections to the spine via Upper Cervical Spinal Care often have a positive impact on herniated/bulging discs. Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression is the leading non-invasive treatment for herniated/bulging discs.
Testimonials
I cannot rave enough about Dr Lea and his staff, ontop of the amazing healing work they do!!!
I’m in middle of my treatment now and I’ve already experienced what I thought was impossible. I have had moments where I am PAIN FREE. Not like oh my pain went from a 6 to a 5 but like pain was an 8 crying some days to having 0 pain at moments and as low as a 3 throughout my everyday life. For the first time in 6 years, I finally have some hope.
All other doctors I had seen for degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis told me it’s irreversible and made it seem like a death sentence. They pushed injections and surgery, telling me those were my only options. But when I met Dr Lea, he did more of an examination than ANY had done before. He explained why it was happening and what spinal decompression could do to help. He gave me hope for a solution, realistic expectations and most of all compassion. He apologized for the other doctors and I felt he was on my team. The greatest decision I’ve made with my health was trusting Dr Lea and becoming his patient.
1000%
Cait
