Non-Invasive Disc Bulge Solutions You Need to Know

Nov 21

Disc bulges, a common cause of low back pain in Victoria, can be a significant source of discomfort and mobility issues. The good news is that the majority of cases do not require invasive procedures. Recent research and clinical observations highlight the potential for spontaneous recovery, particularly through conservative treatments like those offered at Pursuit Physiotherapy in Victoria. This blog will explore how disc bulges can resolve naturally and why a conservative approach is often effective.

What is a Disc Bulge?

A disc bulge occurs when a spinal disc—the cushion between the vertebrae—protrudes out of its normal boundary, leading to sensitization of the nearby nerves. This can lead to symptoms such as back pain, sciatica, or numbness and weakness in the legs. While it might sound alarming, a disc bulge doesn't always require surgical intervention. Instead, with appropriate disc bulge treatment strategies, many patients can achieve significant recovery.

Spontaneous Resorption: The Body's Natural Healing Process

Research, such as the meta-analysis by Zhong et al., suggests that spontaneous resorption of herniated discs is a well-documented phenomenon. Their study found that the overall incidence of spontaneous disc resorption was 66.66% (1). This implies that, in a significant number of cases, the body can naturally absorb the herniated disc material without surgical intervention.

***Disc bulging disk occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disk in your spine pushes against and leaks out of its outer ring.***

Mechanisms Behind Spontaneous Resorption

The exact mechanisms of spontaneous disc resorption are still under investigation. However, a narrative review by Zeng et al. provides some insights. It suggests that the body’s inflammatory response plays a crucial role. When a disc herniates, the body recognizes the extruded material as foreign and initiates an inflammatory response, which in turn leads to the absorption of the disc material. MRI imaging, particularly when it shows a "bull’s eye" sign (a ring enhancement around the protruding disc), can indicate a higher likelihood of resorption (2).

Additionally, the type and size of the disc herniation influence the likelihood of spontaneous recovery. Extruded and sequestrated discs, where the disc material has completely detached from the main disc, show a higher rate of resorption compared to bulges. This makes conservative management, such as the treatments available at Pursuit Physiotherapy Victoria, a viable first-line approach.

Conservative Treatment Options

At Pursuit Physiotherapy, we focus on non-invasive, evidence-based therapies to manage disc bulges. These include:

Physiotherapy: Tailored exercises and manual therapy help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.

Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate sensitivity of the nerves and improve spinal mobility, contributing to pain relief and functional recovery.

Massage Therapy: Massage helps in reducing muscle tension and improving blood flow, which can aid in the recovery process.

These conservative treatments are not only effective in relieving symptoms but also play a role in promoting the body's natural healing processes, potentially aiding in the spontaneous resorption of the herniated disc.

***Disc bulging can cause pressure on your spinal cord and irritates your spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness and weakness.***

When to Consider Conservative Treatment?

The majority of disc bulges do not require surgery. In fact 60-90% of all disc herniations will recover with conservative management alone (3). As such, if you think you are experiencing symptoms relating to a disc bulge, do not panic. Start conservative management with your physiotherapist or chiropractor and see how your rehabilitation goes. If after 6 weeks there is minimal change, further investigations should be conducted as well as consideration of alternative treatment

Conclusion

Disc bulge recovery is often possible without surgery, thanks to the body's ability to heal itself in many cases. Pursuit Physiotherapy in Victoria offers comprehensive, conservative treatment options that align with the latest research findings. If you're experiencing low back pain in Victoria or suspect a disc bulge, consider starting with conservative management. With the right approach, there's a good chance you'll see significant improvement and possibly complete recovery, allowing you to return to your normal activities without the need for surgical intervention.

References:

Zhong M, Liu JT, Jiang H, et al. Incidence of Spontaneous Resorption of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis. Pain Physician. 2017;20(1):E45-E52.
Zeng Z, Qin J, Guo L, et al. Prediction and Mechanisms of Spontaneous Resorption in Lumbar Disc Herniation: Narrative Review. Spine Surg Relat Res. 2023;8(3):235-242. Published 2023 Nov 2. doi:10.22603/ssrr.2023-0152
Chiu CC, Chuang TY, Chang KH, Wu CH, Lin PW, Hsu WY. The probability of spontaneous regression of lumbar herniated disc: a systematic review. Clin Rehabil. 2015;29(2):184-195. doi:10.1177/0269215514540919

Dana Tostenson, MPT

With a passion for people and health, physiotherapy has been a natural fit for Dana.

He enjoys working with clients through a holistic approach; incorporating manual therapy, tailored exercise prescription, and evidence informed education to help his patients overcome their pain, improve performance, and enhance their overall health.

Victoria, BC physiotherapist Dana is excited to help people return to the activities they love, approaching any issue, big or small, with enthusiasm and compassion. As a former varsity athlete and now a recreational competitor, his passion for sports and performance optimization makes him a great fit for injured athletes or weekend warriors hoping to return to and excel in the game.

Dana is a graduate of the University of British Columbia (Masters of Physical Therapy), the University of Alberta (Bachelor of Science in Nutrition), and has completed his Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He has advanced training in Functional Dry Needling, joint manipulation, chronic pain management, nutrition, as well as vestibular and TMJ disorders.

Outside the clinic you can find Dana on the jiu-jitsu mats, taking in the island’s natural beauty, or tending to his admittedly too many house plants (which have now spilled into the clinic).