If you have chronic back pain, a herniated or bulging disc may be the culprit. While these two conditions affect the discs in your spine, there are important differences between them. The good news is a chiropractor near you on our team Delmarva Chiropractic P.C. in Salisbury, MD, offers customized care plans to alleviate pain from both. Read on to learn more about their differences and how we can help you get relief.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when excessive pressure causes the outer wall of a disc to rupture. This allows the soft, gelatinous nucleus in the center to leak out. A herniated disc can cause severe pain, numbness or tingling if the protruding material presses on a nerve root.

Symptoms of a herniated disc may include:

• Intense sharp pain in the back or extremities
• Numbness or muscle weakness
• Reduced reflexes
• Tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation

A herniated disc often occurs due to injury or strain. Lifting without proper form, sudden heavy impact, or repetitive twisting movements can damage discs over time.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc means the tough outer layer is still intact, but excessive force causes the disc to protrude outside its normal space. This may narrow the openings where nerves exit the spinal column, irritating or pinching them.

Symptoms of a bulging disc can include:

• Dull, aching back or neck pain
• Stiffness and reduced flexibility
• Pain or tingling that radiates into arms or legs
• Muscle spasms

Get Chiropractic Care and Back Pain Treatment from a Chiropractor Near You for Back Pain Relief

Don’t live with chronic back pain. The specialists at Delmarva Chiropractic P.C. in Salisbury, MD, can help determine if a herniated or bulging disc is causing your discomfort. Our non-invasive treatments can help relieve your symptoms and improve mobility. Call us at (410) 219-5155 for chiropractic care and back pain treatment from a chiropractor near you for back pain relief.