Question
Hi,

Do disc bulges reverse? or after its already been done it just gets worse?


Will it lead to herniated disc?

If its not treated properly or due to aging?

Thanks,

Answer
Hi Lewiston,

I am going to provide you a lot of information, this is a very misunderstood condition and I hope this helps.

Disc bulges by definition are "swollen discs".  This being said, if the disc has been injured and swells, the "annular rings" that hold the disc together weaken or may have a mild tear towards the center of the disc allowing the nucleus to start migrating out.  The swelling occurs outward so instead of up and down against the vertebrae the disc bulges outward.  Depending on the size and nature of the bulging disc will determine what the next course of action is.  

A small bulge usually will "resorb" as most disc injuries over time.  The problem is that regardless of size, you are now prone to an acceleration of "degenerative disc disease" (DDD) which is not a disease at all, in fact it is a normal occurrence as you and your spine age, however when you are injured and left untreated, the vertebra loose the cushioning property of the disc faster and arthritis starts to set in via bone spurs.  Disc bulges  will cause a decrease in disc height and after some time, "Disc desiccation" or dehydration of the disc will likely occur.  DDD makes you more prone to spinal and disc type injuries.

Should you treat a bulging disc? the answer is yes.  There have been numerous studies done since the 70s on non-surgical disc decompression therapy.  This therapy has been seen on TV ads for VAX-D etc, I do not advocate one machine or method over another.  I can tell you that the research does not either.  There are protocols in place for the different types of disc issues.  This treatment will slow done the advancing effects of DDD and if treated early enough you may not even notice the effects of DDD until later in life.

Your question is, "will it lead to herniated disc if it is not treated properly or due to aging"

The answer is quite possibly due to the advancement of early onset DDD.  There are many factors involved in determining the likelihood of this occurring.  Current age, age when injury happened, weight, stature, level of fitness, underlying injuries, previous injuries, current medications you take, diet etc etc...  

I can tell you from personal and professional experience, if you do nothing about it, say there is no pain, the likelihood that it will occur again and become worse or more difficult to treat is pretty high.  Discs have a very important role in our body.  They truly are the link in a chain, the old saying goes, the chain is only as strong as the weakest link, in your case that link is the disc.  The best bet with ANY disc injury is to have it rehabilitated.  Chiropractic care along with Physical therapy and Decompression therapy has been shown to rehydrate the disc and slow the progress of DDD, whereas if you wait until the next episode, it may be too late.

I hope this helps.  If you have any questions, please ask.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin Kaldy
Chiropractic Physician
NV. Lic #B929

[email protected]
www.lasvegaschiro.com