18/02/2026
An intervertebral disc is designed to handle load.
But it is sensitive to how that load is applied.
A disc bulge does not occur suddenly in most cases.
It develops due to repeated mechanical stress over time.
WHY DISC BULGE OCCURS
Common contributing factors include:
• Repeated spinal flexion, especially under load
• Combined bending and rotation
• Prolonged sitting with poor spinal control
• Reduced trunk and hip muscle support
• Poor load management during daily or work activities
• Age-related disc dehydration and reduced elasticity
With repeated stress,
the nucleus shifts pressure toward the outer annulus,
leading to disc contour deformation (bulge).
Osteopathy focuses on restoring balance, mobility, and optimal spinal loading rather than creating fear around movement.
Early osteopathic care may include:
• Pain and symptom modulation
• Hands-on treatment to improve joint and soft tissue mobility
• Education about safe spinal loading and posture
• Improving overall movement quality
When appropriate, IDD Therapy can be used to gently decompress the spine, helping to reduce disc pressure and support healing in cases of disc bulge.
Rehabilitation then focuses on:
• Core and trunk endurance training
• Hip strength to reduce spinal stress
• Movement retraining for bending, lifting, and sitting
• Load management strategies for daily life and work
• Gradual return to activity and sport
Evidence and clinical experience show many disc bulges respond well to a structured programme of osteopathic care and spinal decompression therapy, often avoiding the need for surgery.
A disc bulge is not just a spine problem.
It is a movement, mobility, and load management problem.
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