Bulging disc injuries are a common cause of back pain and discomfort, affecting your ability to move freely and participate in daily activities. Spinal discs play a key role in your back’s flexibility and stability. When a disc “bulges” beyond its usual boundaries, it can press on surrounding nerves directly if it is a bigger bulge or indirectly with inflammation in the area which can affect the surrounding nerves. This leads to pain and other symptoms. Unlike a herniated disc, where the disc’s inner material leaks through a tear, a bulging disc does not involve a rupture but can still cause significant discomfort.
What Is a Bulging Disc?
Bulging Disc: The disc pushes beyond its normal space, often putting pressure on nerves.
Herniated Disc: The disc's gel-like core escapes through a tear, causing severe pain and nerve irritation.
Ruptured Disc: A severe form of herniation where the disc’s inner core fully escapes.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Chronic deterioration of a disc, reducing its ability to absorb shock.
Discitis: An infection within the disc space causing inflammation.
Schmorl’s Nodes: When disc material presses into the vertebral body, sometimes associated with Scheuermann’s disease.
Factors contributing to bulging discs include cumulative stress, physical trauma, and genetic predisposition. Poor posture, incorrect lifting techniques, and certain structural vulnerabilities also increase the risk of developing this condition.
Types of Disc Injuries
At Melbourne Physio Clinic, our assessment includes evaluating symptoms like back pain, sciatica, and neurological signs (numbness or tingling, loss of strength or sensation). Imaging may be recommended in more severe cases or if conservative management is unsuccessful. However, in most cases we don't need imaging to inform an adequate physiotherapy treatment plan. What's important is to treat the individual based on their pain, range of motion, and function deficits.
Diagnosis of Bulging Discs
How Melbourne Physio Clinic Treats Bulging Discs
Treatment for bulging discs varies based on severity, but physiotherapy is often central to recovery. Our approach includes:
Manual Therapy & Exercises: Targeted treatments to improve spinal flexibility, relieve discomfort, and build core strength.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling: Helps reduce pain by targeting muscle tension and trigger points.
Lifestyle Modifications: Advice on ergonomic adjustments and weight management to support spinal health.
Education & Prevention: Teaching you about safe lifting and posture techniques to prevent future injuries.
Epidural Steroid Injections: For cases where significant inflammation is present.
Surgical Consultation: Recommended only when conservative treatments prove insufficient or if neurological deficits are detected.
Physiotherapy is key to effective recovery from a bulging disc. Our team provides personalised exercises, strengthening and education on preventing further injury. Current research emphasises the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments. Studies show that conservative management, including physiotherapy, significantly improves pain and function in patients with lumbar disc injuries. Core stability exercises, in particular, are proven to help reduce pain and restore function.
With prompt and appropriate treatment, most individuals experience significant improvement. To prevent future injuries, our physiotherapists recommend incorporating regular strength and core training, ergonomic adjustments, and proper lifting techniques into your daily routine.