Can A Bulging Disc Cause Abdominal Pain?
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain. Some of them are serious, and others are only a passing discomfort. But, on rare occasions, a bulging disc may be the culprit.
It’s rare to have a bulging disc causing abdominal pain, but it’s possible. When this happens, it’s typically due to a herniated disc in the upper back, also known as the thoracic spine. When the disc bulges laterally or sideways, it can cause abdominal pain, among other symptoms.
Thoracic Herniated Disc
The thoracic spine is the area between the base of the neck and the lower back. Since this spine section is surrounded and stabilized by the ribcage, most people don’t experience disc herniation. It is much more common for people to have a herniated disc in the lower back or the neck since both those areas see a lot of movement and are generally less stable than the thoracic spine.
But that doesn’t mean thoracic disc herniation is not possible. It does happen, and when it happens, a large enough herniated disc can often cause abdominal pain. Since it’s such a rarity, many physicians don’t immediately think of it when a patient presents with pain in the abdomen. This generally leads to unnecessary and often expensive tests to try and find the problem.
Of course, it’s not the only cause of pain in the abdomen. It often is accompanied by pain in the mid-back and the chest wall.
Lateral Disc Herniation
It takes a special kind of disc herniation to cause pain in the abdomen. This is known as a lateral disc herniation. When a disc bulges laterally, or sideways, in the thoracic spine, it can press on and irritate the nerve root branching out from the spine. This is what causes someone to feel pain in their abdomen.
Luckily, most people find natural pain relief for a herniated disc in this area. Of course, this depends on the cause of the herniation.
Causes
Most thoracic disc herniations are caused by trauma to the upper back, such as a fall, a car accident, or a sports injury. But, they can also be caused by degenerative disc disease, such as arthritis. When this happens, it can cause the calcification of the discs, which may call for invasive treatment.
Simple things like reaching up to grab something or twisting (like when putting on a seatbelt) can cause the pain to become worse.
Most thoracic disc herniations occur in younger people as a result of trauma to the area. Those who have degenerative disc disease often seek treatment between the ages of 40 and 60, but they usually have been dealing with pain and related symptoms for some time before they decide to seek treatment.
Women also seem to be more affected by thoracic disc herniation, causing abdominal pain. One study suggested women were affected more than men by as much as four to one.
Outlook
Most people’s first question about any disc herniation is usually, “Can it heal without surgery?” The answer, for most people, is yes. Those rare few with unbearable pain or paralysis may need to consider surgery before other treatments, but for most others, conservative treatments are the way to go.
Since rib bones surround the thoracic spine, surgery is often risky and best avoided. The best treatment options involve:
- Chiropractic care
- Limited rest
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
- Back strengthening exercises.
For most, the long-term effects of disc herniation are nothing to worry about when proper treatment is sought.
Now, we’ll answer other common questions about disc herniations that may cause abdominal issues.
Can A Bulging Disc Cause Digestive Problems?
Currently, limited scientific and peer-reviewed information shows a direct link between a bulging or herniated disc and digestive problems. However, some studies suggest this is the case. One such study found that 50% of the patients presenting with herniated discs complained of digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome.
Granted, the study was small, but it was enough for the authors to suggest that more studies should be done on the connection between digestive issues and disc herniation.
Herniated Disc and Stomach Bloating
Bloating and digestive problems often go hand in hand. Knowing this, you may not be surprised that herniated discs can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and back pain. But, the two are not always related. In fact, bloating and other digestive issues can cause back and abdominal pain.
Most of the time, the pain and bloating will go away after a bowel movement or as time passes. But it’s essential to see a medical professional if the problems persist more than a few days.
Can a Herniated Disc Cause Gas?
Like bloating, gas is often associated with digestive problems. In some cases, a herniated disc can cause gas. Not everyone with a herniated disc will present with digestive problems or gas. Still, there’s an increasing amount of evidence that suggests that nerve compression in the spine due to disc herniation can affect the digestive system.
If you’re experiencing back pain, abdominal pain, and digestive issues, you may be wondering when to seek treatment and what kind of treatment is best.
When to Seek Treatment?
If you’re experiencing paralysis, numbness, an inability to control your bowels, or unbearable pain, you should seek immediate medical treatment. If your symptoms come and go or they haven’t been present for more than a couple of days, you may want to wait and see if they go away on their own.
When it’s time to seek treatment, chiropractic care is a good option. Chiropractors specialize in spinal care. They approach any issue with the entire body in mind. They understand that the nervous system travels through the spinal column and can cause various issues throughout the body. This includes abdominal pain and digestive issues.
They can also relieve pain, assign exercises, help with nutrition tips, and even talk to you about the best sleeping position to avoid nighttime pain. They use many different techniques to treat disc herniations. Some of these include:
- Full-body diagnosis.
- Detailed medical history.
- MRI, CT, or X-rays to affirm a herniated disc.
- Spinal adjustments to take the pressure off the disc.
- Pain and inflammation-relief modalities include laser therapy, ultrasound, ice and heat, and electrical stimulation.
- Chiropractic Massage.
- Physical therapy exercises.
Massage Therapy: A Solution for Bulging Disc Pain at Better Health Anchorage
A bulging disc can cause discomfort, often leading to abdominal pain. Massage therapy offered by the Better Health Anchorage professionals can help manage these symptoms. The therapy relaxes tense muscles, improves blood circulation to the inflamed area, and promotes faster healing. Increased endorphin levels, the body’s natural painkillers, are another benefit of massage therapy.
We specialize in customized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs. We offer a comprehensive approach to health with services including massage therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Our massage therapists are experienced in various techniques and work closely with chiropractors and physical therapists.
If you’re experiencing a bulging disc or other musculoskeletal pain, consider the benefits of massage therapy. Visit our massage therapist at 8840 Old Seward Hwy E, Anchorage, Alaska, for professional and personalized care.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2758438/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3723187/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321833