Have you recently been told you have a disc bulge after visiting your GP and undergoing a CT or MRI scan? You’re not alone—disc bulges are a common spinal finding, and surprisingly, many people have disc bulges without experiencing any pain at all. At Logan Physio, our goal is to help you become one of them.
Understanding Disc Bulges
Your spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft discs that act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a tougher outer layer and a softer, gel-like centre—much like an onion ring with jelly in the middle.
Disc problems generally fall into three categories:
- Disc Bulge: The outer layer stretches but doesn’t tear. The gel inside remains contained.
- Disc Protrusion: The outer layer begins to tear slightly, allowing the disc to push out a little more.
- Disc Herniation: The outer layer ruptures, and the inner gel leaks out.
In a bulging disc, the disc simply pushes outward, which may or may not affect nearby structures like nerves. This is a very common part of spinal degeneration and often occurs with age.
Do Disc Bulges Always Cause Pain?
The answer is no. In fact, many disc bulges are found incidentally on imaging and do not cause any symptoms. However, if the disc bulge is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord, it can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the back or limbs.
But here’s the encouraging part: Having a disc bulge does not mean you’re stuck with long-term pain. At Logan Physio, we have helped many clients achieve full recovery, even when scans showed significant disc pathology.
Should You Be Worried About a Disc Bulge?
Not necessarily. A disc bulge is often part of the natural ageing process, similar to developing wrinkles or grey hair. It doesn’t automatically mean you need surgery or that your spine is “damaged.”
What’s important is how your body functions, not just what your scan shows. At Logan Physiotherapy, we focus on helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and return to your normal lifestyle through tailored treatment and education.
Treatment Options for Disc Bulges
Effective treatment for disc bulges is usually conservative and non-surgical. Physiotherapy can help by:
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Improving spinal mobility and flexibility
- Strengthening core muscles to support your spine
- Teaching posture and movement strategies to protect your back
Takeaway: There is Hope for Disc Bulges
Don’t be discouraged by your diagnosis. With the right care and understanding, most people with disc bulges can live pain-free, active lives.
Let the team at Logan Physio help you get back to doing what you love—without fear and with confidence in your recovery.
Need help with a disc bulge?
📞 Contact Logan Physio today to book your assessment and start your journey to recovery.
