Bulging disc, any info appreciated

jacksarcia1

Saw a Chiropractor in regard to bad sciatic pain all down my leg/foot.

Diagnosed a bulging disc but said if I act now to take it easy , heal, and work with him I can walk away relatively unscathed.

Anybody with experience have any info or hope?? Thanks

Theoldguy1

To be honest, from what I have read and my own personal experience, while a bulging disc can cause pain, just because a scan shows a bulging disc it doesn't mean that is what is causing pain. A MRI will show bulging disc, degeneration in many people's backs, even those with no symptoms.

These articles discuss:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007493.htm

https://www.aafp.org/patient-care/clinical-recommendations/all/cw-back-pain.html

If the chiro wants to try a few treatments and provides you with home exercises it may be worthwhile to try it. If they was to set you up with regular appointments for the next 6 months or more run away, he/she is someone who gives chiros a bad name.

Mr_Healthy_Habits

My brother was just diagnosed with 4 herniated disc, becareful because it sounds like they can possibly domino once one is compromised...

See a doctor of course

Here's an excellent video from athlean x... He has a few more too

https://youtu.be/9SKuFe2SERs

robertw486

jacksarcia1 wrote: »

Saw a Chiropractor in regard to bad sciatic pain all down my leg/foot.

Diagnosed a bulging disc but said if I act now to take it easy , heal, and work with him I can walk away relatively unscathed.

Anybody with experience have any info or hope?? Thanks

My advice? Go to a doctor that will do proper X-rays and probably an MRI, and go from there. A diagnosis of a bulging disc should be accompanied with evidence there is a bulging disc. You can often "treat" something that doesn't exist and feel better, but when your back muscles are in spasm a lot of things will make them feel better. If you don't address the root cause of the sciatica, you may or may not be taking a course that prevents further injury to the root cause of the pain. That root cause is an unknown without imaging, and even with imaging often takes ruling out certain other possibilities.

Using the route of a physical therapist vs chiropractor makes sense to me. Proper therapy procedures help ensure you stay aligned and don't keep creating the problem. Generally a chiropractor forces the realignment, which helps short term.


My L5/S1 is essentially gone. I was told years ago that I would probably not walk unassisted without back surgery. With good doctors and a great PT, I've powered through for many years since without that surgery. But often the long game involves very specific do and don't type exercises and/or stretches, along with documentation of results and specifics to any flare ups.

Play the long game, and protect your back. You only get one.

jacksarcia1

Thank you Sir, this is exactly what I am going to do. I'll see my primary and hopefully be sent to imaging from there. I really appreciate your advice.

1BlueAurora

I had an L5/S1 bulging disc when I was in my mid-30s. I was in excruciating pain that had me vomiting and I was in the ER immediately. They ran an MRI to confirm. I think that's important. I spent the next year laying on my stomach (you might find lying on your back is what they recommend for you). The physical therapy was very helpful. Frankly, I didn't trust a chiropractor, but maybe things have changed and they're more competent than I was led to believe way back when.

Avidkeo

You can't diagnose a bulging disc without an MRI scan. Even CT and Xray cannot see them. A chiropractor cannot diagnose without an MRI scan. Nor can chiropractic manipulation treat a bulging disc.

Sciatic nerve type pain is often relieved (not always, I know, but generally) with some specific stretches that help relax the piriformis muscles that have gotten tight.

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/piriformis-muscle-stretch-and-physical-therapy

Try them first, if that doesn't help, see your GP for a referral for an MRI.

*Note this is advice for the general population and not to replace the advice of your Dr.

Katmary71

From your post it doesn't sound like you've had x-rays or an MRI, am I right? You've received a lot of good advice already, I just wanted to reiterate you need imaging to find out what the root cause is so you know how to treat it properly. I've had both good and bad chiropractors and orthopedists and imaging is a basic place to start. From there you can decide on treatment course such as physical therapy or hopefully at least a consult with a PT for stretches and exercises you can do. I've had multiple back surgeries that I put off as long as possible and the advice you're getting is great to start out with.

jacksarcia1

Avidkeo wrote: »

You can't diagnose a bulging disc without an MRI scan. Even CT and Xray cannot see them. A chiropractor cannot diagnose without an MRI scan. Nor can chiropractic manipulation treat a bulging disc.

Sciatic nerve type pain is often relieved (not always, I know, but generally) with some specific stretches that help relax the piriformis muscles that have gotten tight.

https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/sciatica/piriformis-muscle-stretch-and-physical-therapy

Try them first, if that doesn't help, see your GP for a referral for an MRI.

*Note this is advice for the general population and not to replace the advice of your Dr.

Thank you. I'm stumbling through this injury learning as I go. I am going to see my doc and go for an MRI asap.

jacksarcia1

Katmary71 wrote: »

From your post it doesn't sound like you've had x-rays or an MRI, am I right? You've received a lot of good advice already, I just wanted to reiterate you need imaging to find out what the root cause is so you know how to treat it properly. I've had both good and bad chiropractors and orthopedists and imaging is a basic place to start. From there you can decide on treatment course such as physical therapy or hopefully at least a consult with a PT for stretches and exercises you can do. I've had multiple back surgeries that I put off as long as possible and the advice you're getting is great to start out with.

Thank you. I drove in the the ER last night and they shot an xray. Said it looked fine but I think I should see my doc and go for an MRI to be sure.

robertw486

The X-ray is a start, and hopefully good news. In my case my disc damage was severe enough that the disc issue and back curve could easily be seen on the X-ray. But the MRI will show a lot more detail, such as the floating fragment I have.

If you get lucky maybe it's just a muscle issue this time around. But being certain is the smart route.

bluediamond5

Hi, I am older than many of you and have had bulging discs for years - The joy of getting Older!!! In 2017 - one of discs at L5 on S1 extruded (burst) and the fragments caused extremely sever pain down my left leg and totally numb foot - It was hitting my sciatic nerve - saw lots of doctors, neurologists, pain specialists and physical therapists and many tests - Had to go on 6 month sick leave from work - taking many pain meds - Finally my family doctor suggested (really ordered) they I lay flat on my back for 3 to 4 weeks (only getting up to shower, etc) and let my body heal itself. Amazing, it worked!!! Watched lots of TV - very boring. My new MRI's show no extrusion and only a slight bulge - and no more pain. It is now 2020 and whenever I feel even the slightest pain, I stop and lay down for a few hours. I also travel a lot and always wear a waist brace when flying. I know everyone is different but this really worked for me. Let me know if this helps anyone

JoDavo66

My DH had similar. He 'put his back out' with some strenous gardening! Went to a physio initially & the exercises really helped but about a month later he was on a cocktail of meds. Eventually got MRI appt which showed 3 affected disc - exercises helped but he had some very serious pain which stopped him being able to do them properly even with opiate & other nerve blocking pain relief.
Appt with neurosurgeon gave advice, had injection in spine & this allowed him to do the exercise properly- an odd twinge now but the difference in 24 hours was incredible.
Definitely need X-ray or MRI for precise diagnosis