Disc Bulge & Disc Herniation Treatment in Dublin
Disc bulges and disc herniations are common findings on spinal MRI scans. In some people they cause no symptoms, while in others they can contribute to lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica and nerve-related symptoms such as tingling, numbness or weakness.
At Dublin 2 Chiropractic, we regularly assess and treat patients with suspected or diagnosed disc problems. Treatment is based on your symptoms and examination findings and may include chiropractic care, exercise and non-surgical spinal decompression using the Triton DTS system.
If you already have an MRI or radiology report, we can review this alongside your clinical examination to help determine whether the disc findings are relevant to your symptoms.
What Is the Difference Between a Disc Bulge and a Disc Herniation?
The discs between the vertebrae act as cushions and help the spine move and absorb load. Each disc has a tough outer layer surrounding a softer central portion.
A disc bulge occurs when the outer portion of the disc extends beyond its usual boundary. Disc bulges are common and do not necessarily cause pain.
A disc herniation occurs when material from within the disc extends through a weakened or damaged area of the outer layer. When this irritates or compresses a nearby nerve root, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg. In the lower back, this can produce sciatica.
MRI findings therefore need to be considered alongside your symptoms and physical examination. A disc finding on an MRI does not automatically mean it is the cause of your pain.
Your Disc Assessment
Your first appointment begins with a consultation to understand your symptoms, how they developed and whether you are experiencing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness into an arm or leg.
The physical examination may include assessment of spinal movement, orthopaedic testing and neurological tests such as muscle strength, sensation and nerve tension tests.
These findings help us determine whether a disc problem is likely to be contributing to your symptoms and which treatment approach is most appropriate.
Some disc herniations require medical assessment because they fall outside the scope of chiropractic care. This is one reason an appropriate examination, including neurological testing where indicated, is carried out before treatment begins.
Chiropractic Treatment for Disc-Related Problems
Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, examination findings and the way the disc problem is affecting your movement and function.
Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments and mobilisation can be used to improve spinal movement, reduce pain and improve function. Treatment techniques are adapted according to the individual patient and the nature of the disc problem.
Spinal decompression: For disc-related lower back or neck pain and nerve irritation such as sciatica, non-surgical spinal decompression using our Triton DTS system may form part of the treatment programme. The system applies controlled traction to the spine, with treatment settings adjusted according to the area being treated and the individual patient.
Exercise and movement advice: Appropriate movement, mobility and strengthening exercises may be incorporated into your treatment and recovery.
Your progress is reassessed throughout care so that treatment can be adjusted according to how your pain, movement and neurological symptoms are responding.
Disc Herniation and Nerve Symptoms
When a disc herniation irritates or compresses a spinal nerve, symptoms can travel away from the spine and into an arm or leg. In the lower back, this commonly presents as sciatica.
The location of pain, tingling, numbness or weakness can help identify which nerve is involved. This is why neurological testing forms an important part of our examination when nerve involvement is suspected.
As treatment progresses, we monitor changes in both your pain and neurological symptoms to assess how the condition is responding.
Book a Disc Assessment in Dublin 2
If you have been diagnosed with a disc bulge or disc herniation, or are experiencing back or neck pain with sciatica, tingling or numbness, we can assess the problem and discuss the treatment options available to you.
Your first appointment includes a consultation and physical examination. If you already have an MRI or radiology report, please bring it with you or send it to the clinic before your appointment where possible.
Dublin 2 Chiropractic is located at 79 Merrion Square South, Dublin 2, overlooking Merrion Square.
