Low back and neck condition · Canton, OH
Bulging disc treatment in Canton, OH
A bulging disc happens when the tough outer wall of a spinal disc weakens and pushes outward, which can crowd nearby nerves. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam and imaging review to see whether the disc is behind your pain, then walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Non-surgical care
- Spinal decompression on site
Bulging disc at a glance
| Also called | Disc bulge, spinal disc bulge |
|---|---|
| Body area | Most often the low back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine) |
| Structure involved | Spinal disc and the nerve roots next to it |
| Common symptoms | Back or neck pain, pain or tingling into an arm or leg, weakness, sharp pain with coughing or sneezing |
| Common causes | Age-related disc changes, long hours sitting, repeated lifting, injury |
| How we evaluate | Health history, physical and neurological exam, imaging review (MRI if needed) |
| Care options | Spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation, home exercise |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
What is a bulging disc?
A bulging disc is a spinal disc whose outer wall has weakened and spread outward past its normal edge while staying intact. If the bulge presses on or irritates a nearby nerve, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the back, neck, arms or legs.
A bulge is different from a herniated disc. In a herniation, the outer wall tears and some of the gel-like center pushes out. In a bulge, the wall stays intact.
Many people have disc bulges on an MRI and no pain at all. That is why care starts with a full exam that compares your imaging, symptoms and exam findings.
Bulging disc symptoms and causes
What does a bulging disc feel like?
Symptoms depend on whether the bulge is in the low back or neck and whether it touches a nerve.
- Neck or low back pain that gets worse with sitting, bending or lifting
- Pain, numbness or tingling into the buttock, leg or foot (low back)
- Pain, numbness or tingling into the shoulder, arm or hand (neck)
- Weakness in the leg or arm
- Sharp pain with coughing, sneezing or straining
What causes a bulging disc?
Most disc bulges build slowly as discs change with age and daily strain.
- Age-related changes that dry out discs and make them less flexible
- Long hours sitting and forward head posture
- Repeated bending and lifting
- Falls, car accidents or lifting with poor form
- Risk factors: age, physically demanding work, extra body weight, smoking
Is it a bulging disc or something else?
Other back and neck problems can cause similar pain. Your exam and imaging review help tell them apart.
| Feature | Bulging disc | Herniated disc | Muscle strain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Back or neck; may spread into an arm or leg | Back or neck, often traveling down one arm or leg | Back or neck muscles, usually in one area |
| Other signs | Often mild; numbness or tingling if a nerve is involved | Numbness, tingling or weakness along one nerve path | Tender, tight muscles without numbness or tingling |
| Often worse with | Sitting, bending or staying in one position | Sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing | Moving or stretching the strained muscle |
Get emergency care right away if
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks
- Weakness in your arms or legs is getting worse
- You have new trouble with balance or using your hands
- Pain started after a major fall or car crash
- You also have a fever or unexplained weight loss
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for disc pain
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any MRI or X-ray reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask where the pain travels and what makes it worse, check your reflexes, strength and sensation, and review any imaging you bring.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Bulging disc care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam and imaging. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretch that may lower pressure inside the disc and ease pressure on nearby nerves.
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the spine moves, adapted to the disc level involved.
- Physical rehabilitation Guided exercises to build core strength and support the spine.
- Home exercise and posture guidance Stretches and daily habits, including sitting and desk setup, to help between visits.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Your MRI shows a bulging disc, but is it causing your pain?
Your bulging disc care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Bulging disc questions we hear in Canton
No. In a bulging disc, the outer wall stays intact but spreads outward. In a herniated disc, the wall tears and some of the inner gel pushes out. Both can press on nerves, and your exam and imaging help show which one you have and what care fits.
Many people with a bulging disc see their symptoms improve with conservative care such as spinal decompression, chiropractic care, exercise and posture changes. How much and how quickly varies with the size of the bulge, how long it has been there and how your body responds.
Imaging does not always match symptoms. Many people have disc bulges on an MRI and no pain. Your exam compares your imaging, symptoms and physical findings to help show whether the disc is the likely source.
Traditional traction applies a general pulling force, and chiropractic adjustments focus on how spinal joints move. Spinal decompression uses a computer-guided table to apply a slow, controlled stretch aimed at a specific disc level. Your provider may combine approaches based on your exam.
It may be. Some people who did not improve with exercise programs or injections choose to explore decompression. Your exam and imaging review help show whether it is a reasonable option, and we tell you if another type of care makes more sense.
[Confirm referral wording with practice] If you already have an MRI, bring the report. If not, imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats bulging discs at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out if a bulging disc is behind your pain
Start with a full exam, a review of your imaging and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.