Matt M.
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Bulging Discs
SYMPTOM
Bulging Discs
SITUATION
Matt, a 41-year-old avid golfer and sales executive, came to KIRO with persistent lower back pain that had begun interfering with his golf swing and overall performance on the course. He noticed sharp discomfort and stiffness during rotation, especially at the top of his backswing and follow-through. After long practice sessions or a full round of golf, his lower back felt tight and fatigued, sometimes accompanied by pain radiating into his hips.
Matt had previously been told he had bulging discs in his lower spine after an MRI. He tried rest, stretching, massage, and anti-inflammatory medications, which helped temporarily but did not restore his confidence or consistency in his swing. Frustrated by declining performance and concerned about worsening his condition, Matt sought chiropractic care to reduce pain, improve spinal mobility, and return to golfing without limitation.
TREATMENT
Care began with a comprehensive examination performed by our team of doctors. The evaluation revealed decreased lumbar rotation and extension, along with stiffness through the lower back consistent with disc bulging. Significant muscle tightness was noted in the paraspinal muscles, hips, and glutes—key contributors to rotational movement during a golf swing. Postural assessment showed increased spinal stress during rotation and follow-through.
To further assess function, our doctors completed a nervous system scan, which demonstrated elevated tension patterns in the mid and lower back. These findings confirmed the impact of the bulging discs on Matt’s spinal mechanics and supported his reported pain during rotational movements.
Based on these findings, our doctors designed a personalized three-month care plan focused on reducing disc pressure, restoring rotational mobility, and improving spinal stability for golf-specific demands. Care began with twice-weekly gentle chiropractic adjustments aimed at improving joint motion and reducing nerve irritation, combined with soft tissue therapy to decrease muscle tension and improve movement quality.
At the five-week reassessment, the doctors repeated the nervous system scan and re-evaluated Matt’s spinal rotation, pain levels, and comfort during simulated golf movements. The scan showed decreased tension in the lower back, and Matt reported improved rotation with less stiffness during practice swings. With these objective improvements, care frequency was reduced to once per week and shifted toward stabilization and performance support.
Over the following two months, our doctors implemented a progressive exercise program emphasizing core stabilization, glute strengthening, hip mobility, and controlled rotational strength to better support Matt’s spine during his golf swing. Sport-specific movement drills and posture education were also introduced to reduce strain on the discs and prevent future flare-ups.
By the end of the three-month care plan, a final nervous system scan showed tension levels within a normal range across the lumbar spine, confirming improved spinal function and resilience.
RESULT
During his initial three months with KIRO, Matt experienced significant improvements in his lower back comfort, spinal rotation, and confidence on the golf course. He returned to playing full rounds without post-game stiffness and noticed improved consistency and power in his swing. Matt now continues with maintenance chiropractic care and targeted mobility work to support long-term spinal health and keep him performing at his best on and off the course.
DURATION
4 months
