
Spinal Disc Herniation Differences and Similarities
Spinal disc herniation and bulging discs have similar roots that make them difficult to diagnose. Some core comparisons that can be made include:- Both include pain and tenderness
- Both are caused by cartilage movement/slippage
- They cause nerve pinching and nerve pain
- They occur more often in the neck and lower spinal regions

- Bulging discs protrude
- Herniated discs rupture
- Bulging discs are more common
- Herniated discs are less common
- Bulges are caused by constant pressure
- A herniation is caused by trauma
- Bulging discs create dull radiating pain
- Herniated discs cause sharp intense pain

Injury Effects
How the injury affects the spine and overall wellness is the objective when diagnosing. Bulging discs are often associated with chronic pain that does not go away with time and needs proper treatment. Herniated discs are considered severe because of the disc fluid spilling/leaking out affecting the surrounding nerves. Left untreated, bulging discs lead to intermittent nerve blockages/pinching and posture problems. Herniated disc left untreated leads to chronic nerve pain and permanent nerve damage, which can develop into a series of issues. This includes limited mobility and/or loss of feeling in the affected area.Early Detection
Chiropractic diagnosis for bulges and spinal disc herniation is recommended because of the specialization in spine care and focusing on all symptoms. For example, although it is not typically this simple, analysis revealing tingling in the fingers and sharp pain in the lower spine indicates herniation. Conversely, dull aches in the low back and down the legs, indicate sciatic pain that can be traced to a disc bulge. Making the correct diagnosis is crucial in developing the right treatment plan. The wrong treatment plan could result in worsening of the injury and creation of new injuries. Injury Medical Chiropractic provides optimal care along with education for patients to understand everything that is going on with their bodies.InBody Composition
Types of pain
Pain can be grouped into three categories:- Early warning pain is most recognizable with the withdrawal reflex. For example, touching a scalding hot object and quickly pulling away. A protective mechanism that helps the body avoid danger and is important for survival.
- Inflammatory pain occurs following an injury or surgery when the body is healing and in recovery. Inflammation prevents the body from moving too fast or too hard causing re-injury. This type of pain is important while healing, but is a cause for concern if it continues after the injury has healed.
- Pathological pain happens after the body has healed but the nervous system has suffered damage. This often occurs with individuals that get injured in a way that changes the way the body functions. If the nervous system does not heal properly, the body’s protective pain responses can begin to create false alarms and become chronic.