Bulging Disc Treatment Specialist in Sterling Heights, and Dearborn, MI
A herniated disk is also known as a slipped, ruptured or bulging disk. It’s one of the most common causes of neck, back and leg pain. Get expert and specialized diagnosis and treatment by a board-certified team of experienced doctors at Specialty Medical Center. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Sterling Heights, MI and Dearborn, MI.




Table of Contents:
What is a bulging disc?
What are the symptoms of a bulging disc?
How long does it take to fix a bulging disc?
What happens if you don’t fix a bulging disc?
How much does it cost to fix a bulging disc?
At Specialty Medical Center, we offer comprehensive and effective treatment for various spinal conditions, including bulging discs. With a bulging disc, the spinal disc, which acts as a cushion between the vertebrae, shifts out of its typical position and starts to protrude into the spinal canal. Bulging discs can be caused by age-related degeneration, traumatic events, physical stress, or the cumulative effects of everyday activities.
Our expert medical team is proficient in diagnosing bulging discs through physical examinations, medical history evaluations, and advanced imaging tests like X-rays and MRI scans. We utilize these diagnostic tools to provide detailed images of the disc and surrounding structures, thereby enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
At Specialty Medical Center, our primary focus is on relieving the symptoms of bulging discs and reducing inflammation. We customize our treatment approach to each patient’s specific needs.
At Specialty Medical Center, we understand the complexity and discomfort that comes with a bulging or slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc. This condition occurs when the soft, gelatinous nucleus pulposus inside an intervertebral disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, the annulus fibrosus. It can lead to symptoms such as sharp, shooting pain, numbness or tingling sensation, muscle weakness, and even loss of bladder or bowel control in severe cases.
We are well-equipped to diagnose and treat this condition. We recognize that the pain can radiate along the nerve pathway, often localized in the lower back, and can spread to the buttocks, thighs, calves, and even feet. The intensity of this pain can vary, often worsening with activity and easing when at rest.
We also understand that a bulging disc can cause numbness or tingling in the corresponding area of the body, which usually indicates nerve compression. This can further cause muscle weakness or paralysis, restricting movement and affecting your ability to perform everyday tasks.
Dealing with a bulging disc can be painful and disruptive to your everyday life. That’s why we offer a range of treatments, from non-invasive options like physical therapy and medication to surgical interventions when necessary.
Non-Surgical Treatment:
At Specialty Medical Center, our specialists often recommend non-surgical treatment first. This approach includes lifestyle modifications, medication, and physical therapy.
• Initial Recovery Phase (1-2 weeks): Our team will focus on pain management and reducing disc compression to alleviate your discomfort and improve your mobility.
• Rehabilitation and Strengthening Phase (2-12 weeks): This phase includes physical therapy and exercises designed to boost spinal stability and lessen disc pressure. Our therapists will work closely with you to ensure you are comfortable with and committed to the recommended changes in lifestyle and physical activities.
• Complete Recovery (months to a year): Most patients begin to see improvements within six weeks and can resume their regular activities under our expert guidance.
Surgical Intervention:
If conservative treatments are not effective or if the disc bulge is severe, our experienced surgeons may recommend surgery.
• Surgery Preparation: Our team will guide you through the preoperative evaluation and planning, which may take several weeks.
• Surgery Duration: Our skilled surgeons will remove or repair the bulging disc in a procedure that typically lasts a few hours.
• Post-Operative Recovery (4-12 weeks): We will manage your pain and guide you through a gradual post-operative rehabilitation and strengthening process.
• Complete Recovery (several months to a year): While symptoms usually improve significantly during this period, full healing can take time. The recovery period post-surgery largely depends on the individual’s overall health and the specific type of surgery.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time:
• The severity of the disc bulge
• Patient’s age and overall health
• Adherence to treatment plan
• Type of surgical procedure used
To prevent recurrence and maintain a healthy spine, we recommend regular exercise, good posture, and a healthy diet even after your symptoms have been resolved. Remember, recovery times are estimates and can vary from person to person.
A bulging disc, also known as a herniated or slipped disc, is a common spinal injury that can cause significant discomfort and disability. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our patients don’t ignore such a condition, as this can lead to severe consequences over time.
Our team of medical experts is proficient at identifying the initial symptoms of a bulging disc, which often includes intensifying dull or sharp pain in the back. As the disc continues to protrude, it compresses or irritates nearby nerves, which can result in chronic pain that interferes with daily activities.
We aim to prevent untreated bulging discs from leading to spinal instability and degeneration. A weakened disc can no longer effectively absorb shock and distribute weight, putting excessive stress on the surrounding vertebrae and ligaments. This can accelerate the wear and tear of the spine, possibly leading to arthritis and other degenerative conditions.
Chronic nerve compression can cause irreversible damage, leading to sensory disturbances, muscle atrophy, and reduced motor function. In severe cases, nerve damage can disrupt the functioning of organs and bodily systems.
Untreated bulging discs can also lead to cauda equina syndrome, a serious neurological condition that results from a disc compressing the bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord. This medical emergency can cause loss of bladder or bowel control and severe pain.
At Specialty Medical Center, we believe that while some bulging discs may heal on their own, neglecting a bulging disc can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a bulging disc, we encourage you to seek our medical attention promptly for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent the progression of the condition and improve outcomes.
There are many complexities involved in treating a bulging disc. Specialty Medical Center offers a range of non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication management, and more. These conservative treatments generally cost between $50-$150 per session for physical therapy, $10-$50 per month for medication, and $50-$200 per session for spinal manipulation. While these methods may require more frequent and long-term sessions, they are typically less expensive than surgical options.
For more severe cases, our medical team is proficient in surgical treatments. The cost for surgical procedures can span anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the specifics of the procedure, the clinic, and the geographical location.
We understand that insurance coverage significantly impacts out-of-pocket costs. Our competent staff can assist you in understanding your health insurance plan and the portion it covers.
At Specialty Medical Center, we value transparency and patient satisfaction. We encourage our patients to discuss all potential costs, including insurance coverage, with our healthcare providers before deciding on a treatment plan. Our professional team will help determine the most appropriate treatment based on the individual’s condition and circumstances, ensuring a comprehensive and patient-centric approach to your healthcare journey. We serve patients from Sterling Heights MI, Dearborn MI, Detroit MI, Birmingham MI, Allen Park MI, Warren MI, and BEYOND!

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Ablations
▸ Epidurals
▸ Facet Blocks
▸ Steroid Injections
▸ Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
▸ Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
▸ Neurosurgery
▸ Spinal Disc Herniations
▸ Sacroiliac Joint Pain
▸ Nerve Pain Stimulation
▸ Orthopedics

Additional Services You May Need
▸ Ablations
▸ Epidurals
▸ Facet Blocks
▸ Steroid Injections
▸ Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
▸ Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC)
▸ Neurosurgery
▸ Spinal Disc Herniations
▸ Sacroiliac Joint Pain
▸ Nerve Pain Stimulation
▸ Orthopedics
▸ Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL)
▸ Osteoarthritis
▸ Foot and Ankle
▸ Non-Union Fractures
▸ Physical Therapy
▸ Shockwave Therapy
▸ Laser Therapy
▸ Chronic Pain
▸ Spine
▸ Hip Pain
▸ Shoulder Arthritis
▸ Knee Pain
▸ Hand and Wrist Pain
▸ Shoulder Pain
▸ Neck Pain
▸ Back Pain
▸ Elbow Pain
▸ Sciatica
▸ Fibromyalgia
▸ Musculoskeletal Pain
▸ Auto Accident Injuries
▸ Work Injuries