Are you wondering whether you have a bulging disc in your back? Did this happen after you were trying to be Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson in the gym? or perhaps you lifted heavy at work? Don’t worry! Here’s a quick guide on what to expect, causes and treatment for the ‘pain in your butt’ literally!

man squatting with weighted barbell

Did you know that our spine is made of tiny bones that are stacked on top of each other? These bones are pretty much likes small blocks of wood creating a column. Now they unite with each other centrally with a gel like substance in the form of a disc called ‘intervertberal disc’. Can you imagine two square blocks of wood with a water filled balloon sandwiched in between?

Also there are joints on either side of the bones called facet joints. Now usually the disc acts like a shock absorber whenever we do heavy tasks. These include sports, heavy lifting and repetitive lifting. However, if there is a weakness in the disc because of lack of exercise or previous injury. The disc is not able to absorb these pressures as efficiently. This leads to disc injury and it bulges to the side. This creates swelling around the disc causing pain as there are a lot of nerves in the surrounding area.

What causes a bulging disc?

Picture of a man with back pain lifting a sofa

  • Repetitive lifting incorrectly

  • Car accidents or falls

  • Heavy lifting in the gym without proper form. 

    Even increasing the weights in the gym suddenly

  • Pregnancy

  • Degeneration of the spine
    This includes age related changes that happen over the years

  • Heavy sports

Treating a bulging disc

As with anything, prevention is better than cure. Some of the things you can do to keep your back healthy are as follows:

  • DO NOT BEND OVER!

    Use your legs rather than to back to bend over. Even if it’s to pick up a piece of paper from the floor

  • Lift with the right form

    Whether in the gym or at work. I know you may feel like you just want to get things done. But it is important to keep the right form EACH time you are lifting.

  • Do not increase intensity of exercise suddenly in the gym 

  • Don’t slouch!

    Slouching puts tremendous pressure on the disc. It is important to sit straight to reduce undue stresses on your spine.

  • Exercise!
    This goes without saying. Keeping the core muscles strong will protect your back from any injury.

How do Physiotherapists help?

You can be as careful as possible but injuries still occur. It is very important to get examined immediately. According to Australian Physio Association, a physiotherapist can help confirm that you have low back pain and rule out other conditions. Physios are the best people to treat a disc injury without the use of medications or surgery. They use manual techniques like joint mobilizations and massage. There are different stages of a disc bulge and a physio will be able to diagnose you. In the initial stage of the injury physiotherapy will reduce your pain and swelling around the disc. This is followed by gentle exercises to build your core muscles. They will also give you important advice about your specific injury.