Menu

Herniated vs. Bulging Disc

Differences Between a Herniated, Slipped and Bulging Disc from our San Jose Chiropractor

Chiropractor helping patient with a herniated disc

When you have upper or lower back pain, it can be caused by a spinal disc problem. Common problems include bulging discs and herniated discs, but how do you know which one you have? Learn more about the differences between these disc problems from our San Jose chiropractor.

Bulging Disc

A bulging disc occurs when the material inside of your spinal disc bulges outward. This can happen with the aging process, as cartilage becomes stiffer around the outside of the disc. The only part of the affected disc might bulge, but the entire disc can bulge in some cases. Bulging discs can cause discomfort, although these symptoms are not usually as severe as they are with herniated discs.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the layer of tough cartilage outside the disc cracks, which causes the softer cartilage inside the disc to stick out. Other names for this condition include slipped disc and ruptured disc. Keep in mind that your entire spinal disc does not slip out of place or rupture. Instead, it only occurs around the area that is cracked. Herniated discs can cause more pain than bulging discs since it has a higher likelihood of pressing on nerves in the surrounding area. If this occurs, the nerves become inflamed, leading to pain and stiffness. 

Treatment for Disc Pain from our Cupertino Chiropractor

Whether you have a bulging, herniated or slipped disc, you can count on our Cupertino chiropractor for help. Our chiropractor provides treatment for these disc problems that focus on correcting what is causing them. Your treatment plan from Next Chiropractic and Sports Clinic will typically include spinal adjustments to help realign your discs, ease pressure on nerves and stimulate natural healing. Our chiropractor in Cupertino might recommend having other care as well, such as massage therapy and corrective exercises.

Contact Our Chiropractor in San Jose

If you have back pain from a bulging or herniated disc, please contact Next Chiropractic and Sports Clinic to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor in San Jose.

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

Closed

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Dr. Choi is a really knowledgeable, professional, and caring doctor. He is a very nice person. His clinic is very spacious and clean. Highly recommend Dr. Choi."
    Maninder S.
  • "I highly recommend Dr Choi to anyone who's looking for an excellent, caring, amazing chiropractor. Not only does Dr Choi have state of the art equipment and expertise in treating your pain, he takes the time to really get to know you so he can figure out what is going on with your body. He's also very personable and friendly. And if you need to see a massage therapist, Noah is awesome!"
    Isaiah H.
  • "Dr Choi fixed my upper back problem which had been bothering me for years! I tried whateve I can out there (massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic.....) and none seems to work permanently. I still go back to the clinic and get check up regularly.

    The clinic is clean and the reservation reminder is handy. I would totally recommend Next chiropractic & sports clinic!"
    Faye S.