Gregory Gebert Ostéopathe D.O

14/02/2025

Disc Bulges & Pain: What You See Isn’t Always What You Feel!

Medical imaging is a great tool, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. Many people have disc bulges without any pain, while others experience discomfort with no significant findings on their scans.

Pain is complex—it’s not just about what’s visible on an MRI or X-ray. That’s why clinical assessment, movement, and overall function matter just as much (if not more) than what an image shows.

If you’ve been told you have a disc bulge, don’t panic! Focus on what your body is telling you, not just the scan.

❌ No, your back isn't f*cked.

📌 And yes, structures of the spine (including the discs) CAN contribute to your pain experience and symptoms!

But...

👍🏼 You should know that you CAN also live completely normally and pain free even WITH disc bulges present in your spine

⁉️ How?

💯 Well, to keep things short, tissue changes, injury, and/or pathology are NOT directly linked to pain

🤯 You can have pain in the presence of injury, but you can also have pain WITHOUT it!

🏃🏻 That's why people can sprain their ankle in a game and continue to play on it even with multiple torn ligaments, or continue to fight in a battle after half a leg has been blown off, or have multiple bruises on the body and never remember how they even got there (those are just a FEW EXAMPLES)

😫 It's also why someone pinching you can hurt a lot without causing any actual tissue damage , or why stress or lack of sleep can make your upper back and shoulders ache really bad, or why even the thought of unpleasant memories/experiences can make things hurt worse

😯 And it's also why this many people (based off of a study of 3110 individuals from 1946 to 2014) can have disc bulges present in their spine but WITHOUT PAIN or dysfunction!

⁉️ The take away?

💯 Disc bulges seem to be more highly correlated with NORMAL AGING than with pathology/dysfunction

👨🏻As the authors of this study summarized:

"Imaging findings of spine degeneration are present in high proportions of asymptomatic individuals, increasing with age. Many imaging-based degenerative features are likely part of normal aging and unassociated with pain. These imaging findings must be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical condition."

✅ So, like I said earlier, having a disc bulge or bulges in your spine does NOT mean you're doomed to a life of pain and misery

🙌🏼 Disc bulges CAN HEAL, and even if they don't fully resolve, your pain and symptoms can!
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Reference:
📚 Brinjikji et al (2015), Systematic Literature Review of Imaging Features of Spinal Degeneration in Asymptomatic Populations
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🚨 DISCLAIMER: The information on this page is designed for general knowledge and informational purposes only and is in no way intended to generally or specifically treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any condition. The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your doctor or primary care provider. Do not rely on this page for assistance in regard to your immediate, urgent medical needs

19/06/2024

🔍 Understanding Pain: Acute vs. Chronic 🔍

Pain can be confusing, but knowing the difference between acute and chronic pain is crucial for proper management. 🩹✨

Acute Pain is sudden and sharp, often following an injury or surgery. It typically lasts less than 3 months and subsides as the body heals. 🕒💪

Chronic Pain persists beyond 3 months, even after the initial injury heals. It can be constant or intermittent, affecting daily life and requiring long-term management. 🌙🌀

Key Differences:

Duration: Acute = short-term | Chronic = long-lasting
Presentation: Acute = sharp, immediate | Chronic = persistent, dull or aching
Management: Acute = medication, rest | Chronic = lifestyle changes, therapy, long-term care, potential more invasive interventions

🔗 Remember, identifying the type of pain is the first step towards effective treatment.

07/06/2024

🛌✨ Injuries aren't just about bad posture or lifting techniques! The truth is other factors might play a bigger role: lack of sleep, high stress levels, and inadequate rest, past injuries etc... Focusing solely on posture and lifting techniques is missing the forest for the trees. Prioritize your overall well-being to stay injury-free. 🧘‍♂️💤

05/06/2024

🦵Messed up knee, don't worry! 🦵

Did you know that knee MRIs often reveal abnormalities in people who aren't experiencing any symptoms? 🤔

It's more common than you think, and you should not worry. Just like finding a few clouds in a clear sky, these findings aren't necessarily cause for alarm. In fact, we can apply this concept to other areas of the body too. So, if you've had a scan that raised some questions, remember, it's not the end of the world!

03/06/2024

🌟 Tips for exercising with chronic pain 🌟

Studies suggest that exercising with some discomfort isn't necessarily harmful for those dealing with chronic pain (reference below).

Finding a balance between pushing yourself and staying safe is key 💪

Here are some smart training tips to keep in mind:

1️⃣ Start slow: Ease into your workout routine with exercises you can handle, then gradually ramp up the intensity.

2️⃣ Monitor your pain: If your pain level surpasses 4/10 during exercise, it's time to take a break and reassess.

3️⃣ Modify your exercises: Sometimes a simple switch, like swapping running for swimming or using dumbbells instead of a barbell, can make a big difference.

4️⃣ Follow the 48-hour rule: If your post-workout pain fades within 24 hours, you're likely in the clear. If it persists for 48 hours or more, consider dialing back the intensity or changing up your routine.

5️⃣ Rest and recover: Don't underestimate the importance of rest and recovery. Pushing too hard can lead to setbacks and increased pain.

6️⃣ Trust your instincts: Listen to your body and avoid pushing through severe pain. When in doubt, consult with your primary healthcare provider for guidance.

Remember, finding the right balance between pushing yourself and staying safe is key to managing chronic pain effectively. 💪

Study ref: "Should exercise be painful in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis" by Benjamin E. Smith and colleagues. 2017. The British Journal of Sports Medicine​