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📢 We have moved! 🚚 Our Maroochydore clinic is now closed and we welcome you at our new clinic located at 2/146 Alexandra Pde, Alexandra Headland.
Disc Bulge Treatment
on the Sunshine Coast
Are you seeking a non-invasive solution for your disc-related discomfort? With 34 years of experience, our team of skilled chiropractors is dedicated to helping you reduce pain, improve mobility and reclaim your quality of life.
What is a bulging disc and what causes it?
Imagine your spine as a stack of bones (your vertebrae), each separated by cushions (your intervertebral discs). A bulging disc, or protruding disc, is when one of these cushions pushes out beyond its usual space. This can lead to discomfort and pain, particularly in your lower back.
In 2014-15, 1 in 6 Australians had chronic back problems, which are often caused by disc disorders.
Bulging discs often result from age-related wear and tear, as our spinal discs lose water content over time and become less flexible, but can also be caused by poor posture, repetitive movements, or sudden injury.
Note that a bulging disc is different from a herniated disc. While a bulging disc extends beyond its normal space, a herniated disc occurs when the inner material of the disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms.
How we treat bulging discs
Our team of experienced practitioners offers comprehensive, non-invasive treatments for bulging discs. Based on an assessment of your condition, your chiropractor may use the following treatments:
- Spinal adjustments
- Diversified technique
- Activator (hand held device) method
- Thompson Drop technique
- Dry needling
- Prescription of tailored exercises
- Lifestyle advice (posture, ergonomics and daily activities)
Invest in your spinal health today
Diagnostic
Our doctors will start by diagnosing the cause, location and severity of your disc bulge. During your initial consultation, they will take an in-depth medical history, perform a physical exam and may recommend an imaging diagnosis (e.g. X-rays, CT or MRI).
Chiropractic Care
We use gentle, targeted adjustments to relieve pressure on affected nerves and improve spinal alignment. We may also incorporate complementary therapies such as dry needling to enhance your treatment outcomes.
Advice
We provide personalised advice on exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle modifications to support your recovery. Our team will also recommend appropriate orthopaedic pillows to ensure proper spinal support during rest.
Why choose our team?
We are a multidisciplinary team of experienced chiropractors, with both female and male doctors available.
We love what we do and care deeply about our patients' wellbeing and happiness, some of which have been coming to us for decades.
We have two clinics, located in the heart of Alexandra Headland and Coolum Beach, open Monday to Saturday.
We are Bupa and Medibank preferred providers. We also accept Eftpos, Medicare, DVA and EPC.
Your questions, answered
On rare occasions, it can be a medical emergency. There are a few key red flags that our team will go through with you to make sure you don't need to be referred to emergency.
Yes. You may have heard of a slipped disc, a hot disc or a prolapsed disc.
Chiropractic care can be an excellent option for many people with disc bulges. However, the best way to determine if it's right for you is to schedule a consultation with our experienced team. We'll conduct a thorough assessment of your condition, discuss your symptoms and health goals, and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. We also treat you on the first consultation too, so you can get out of pain quicker.
Yes, chiropractic care can be beneficial for both bulging and herniated discs. While these conditions are slightly different, our skilled chiropractors are trained to address a wide range of spinal issues. We use various techniques to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve your movement for both conditions.
While success rates can vary, many patients experience significant improvement with chiropractic care for disc bulges. Studies have shown positive outcomes for pain reduction and improved function in a majority of patients. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary, and we'll work closely with you to maximise your chances of success.
The timeline for seeing results can vary depending on the severity of your condition and how long you've been experiencing symptoms. Some patients report feeling relief after just a few sessions, while others may require several weeks of consistent treatment to notice significant improvements.
We'll monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal results.
Our chiropractic treatments aim to provide long-lasting relief by addressing the root cause of your disc bulge, not just the symptoms. Many patients experience sustained improvements, especially when they follow our team’s advice on posture, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. Regular maintenance visits can also help ensure the longevity of your treatment results.
We understand that our patients lead busy lives, which is why we offer flexible scheduling options. Our clinics are open from 8:30am to 6pm throughout the week, and we're also open on Saturdays from 8:30am to 1pm to accommodate those who can't make it during weekdays.
A typical chiropractic session for disc bulge treatment usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. However, your initial consultation may be longer, around 45 minutes to an hour, as we'll need to conduct a comprehensive assessment and discuss your treatment plan.
Yes, we do. You can visit us in Alexandra Headland or Coolum Beach, whichever is more convenient for you. Both clinics offer the same high standard of care.
Yes, chiropractic treatment for disc bulges is considered safe when performed by trained and experienced providers like our team. We use gentle, targeted techniques specifically designed for disc issues. Before beginning any treatment, we'll conduct a thorough assessment to ensure chiropractic care is appropriate and safe for your specific condition.
No, chiropractic treatment for disc bulges is generally not painful. Although you may experience some discomfort during the adjustment process, most patients find the treatment comfortable and even relaxing. Our chiropractors will always communicate with you to adjust their approach based on your comfort level.
While some patients may experience soreness or stiffness following an adjustment (similar to post-exercise feelings), these effects are typically short-lived and often indicate that your body is responding to the treatment.
The frequency of your visits will depend on the severity of your disc bulge and how you respond to treatment. Initially, we may recommend more frequent visits, perhaps 1-2 times a week. As you improve, we'll gradually reduce the frequency. We'll continually assess your progress and adjust your treatment schedule accordingly.
Your first visit will include a comprehensive assessment of your condition. We'll discuss your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may recommend additional diagnostic tests if necessary. We'll then explain our findings, discuss your treatment options, and if appropriate, begin your first treatment. This initial visit typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
No, you don't need a referral from your GP to see our chiropractors. As primary healthcare practitioners, we can assess and treat your condition directly. However, if you have a referral or any recent medical reports, please bring them along as they can provide valuable information for your treatment plan.
Feel free to book an appointment or ask us any questions about chiropractic care for torticollis.
Many health insurance plans do cover chiropractic care, including treatment for disc bulges. However, coverage can vary significantly between providers and specific plans. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage. Our team can also assist you in understanding how to use your insurance benefits for your chiropractic care.