At Pain Away Clinic, many patients visit us for neck and shoulder pain. Often, they’ve tried treatment at other medical facilities or gotten massages that help temporarily, but the pain quickly returns. In such cases, the cause might not be just tight or sore muscles.
One common condition you may have heard of is a “herniated disc,” where the cushion-like disc between the vertebrae is pushed out and presses on the nerves. When this happens in the neck, it often causes pain or numbness that radiates down the arms.
While herniated discs are relatively easy to identify due to their clear symptoms, there’s also a condition known as a bulging disc—which is often a precursor to a herniated disc. A bulging disc means the disc is swollen but hasn’t ruptured. This condition may not cause numbness, but instead leads to chronic pain or stiffness.
Unfortunately, massage or electrical stimulation alone may not provide lasting relief if a bulging disc is the underlying cause. That’s why it’s important to properly assess the condition before starting treatment.
If you are experiencing persistent neck or shoulder pain or stiffness, there’s a chance it could be caused by a bulging disc. We recommend consulting with a specialist to receive the appropriate care.
