A Disc Problem Isn’t Always a Disc Problem.
Most patients who come into our Charlotte clinic don’t just say, “My back hurts.” They say:
"I was told I have a bulging disc." "They found a herniation on my MRI." "My disc is degenerating."
The disc gets blamed. Every time.
But here's what we know: If you’ve been in pain for 6+ months, tried PT or injections, and still feel limited, the disc might not be the only issue. It may not even be the primary issue.
What’s Often Missed: Adhesion and Load
Adhesion is a build-up of soft tissue glue — scar tissue that forms from overuse, trauma, or poor posture.
It restricts movement
It traps nerves
It forces your spine to take on more load than it should
And if you already have a disc injury? Adhesion compounds the problem.
Imagine trying to hinge or twist, but your hips or core are locked down by adhesion. Your spine — especially your lumbar discs — ends up doing all the work. Over time, that extra strain can worsen existing disc issues or create new ones.
Why Strengthening Alone Can Backfire
If you try to build strength or “stabilize” your spine before restoring proper motion, you’re just loading a dysfunctional system.
That often leads to:
More pain
Spasms after workouts
A sense that you "can’t trust your back"
That’s why we focus on restoring clean movement before layering on load.
How We Treat Bulging Disc Cases Differently
At Resolve, we follow a process designed to remove the mechanical stress that keeps discs aggravated:
Find the restricted areas using movement testing
Feel for adhesion with hands-on assessment
Fix the tissue with precise manual therapy
Restore the missing range of motion
Gain strength with proper mechanics
Retain with occasional tune-ups if needed
This approach relieves pressure from the spine so your body can finally heal and move the way it was designed to.
MRI Can’t Show the Whole Picture
Disc findings on imaging don’t always explain pain.
Many patients with “bulges” or “herniations” feel fine. Others with "normal MRIs" are in daily pain.
What matters more is how your body functions.
Can your lumbar spine flex and extend evenly?
Do your hips and core contribute to movement?
Is your nervous system stuck or overloaded?
If the answer is no, treating the disc won't be enough.
Final Word: Unload the Disc, Uncover the Relief
You don’t need to live in fear of bending forward. You don’t have to settle for meds, injections, or surgery.
If you’ve been told "you just have to live with it,"
It’s time to ask a better question: Why is your disc still under stress?
Let’s find out — and fix what’s been missed.
→ Book your evaluation here
Resolve Soft Tissue & Spine | Charlotte, NC
Zac Breedlove
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