Bulging Disc in Neck Symptoms

Let us understand what is a bulging disc before having a look at the symptoms of bulging disc in neck. Discs are the cushions between each of the vertebrae in the backbone that protects the spinal cord. The backbone is a long series of little bones that are connected with nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments. The discs function like a shock absorber. Bulging disc is a common medical condition which occurs when the tissue inside the disc is dislocated. Bulging discs occur mainly in the neck and lower back.

Bulging disc in neck is a condition where the outer layer of the disc is intact but the intervertebral tissue of the discs is dislocated. This results in bulging disc in neck. This condition is often compared with herniated disc. The difference between bulging disc symptoms in neck and symptoms of herniated disc is very thin but crucial. While only the tissue of the disc is dislocated in a bulging neck disc, the hard outer layer of the tissue is ruptured altogether causing the internal gel of the tissue to seep out in a herniated disc.

Causes
There can be various reasons behind bulging disc in neck. Odd and unnatural twisting of the neck while performing physical activities viz playing rough games like rugby, basketball or sports like wrestling, boxing, etc. can result in bulging disk. An accident that has had an impact on the neck can cause dislocation of the discs e.g. while performing stunts on skate boards, bikes or while skiing. It might also result in bulging disc in neck. Activities that involve lifting heavy objects can be a cause of trouble because it burdens your spine. Bending, typing, standing, cutting and performing activities that stress your backbone for long hours, in short, anything that makes your head bend downwards for a long duration can be a cause of bulging discs in neck. Another reason behind bulging disc in neck is if this ailment runs in your family i.e. if your family has a history of bulging neck discs. Natural deterioration due to age is something which can hardly be avoided and is one of the primary causes of bulging disc in neck.

Symptoms

Neck Pain: Pain in the nape of the neck or back. Neck pain is milder in the early stages. But if the problem goes unnoticed or is left untreated, the pain becomes severe. You can even face difficulty in moving your neck.

Back Pain: Back pain is a symptom of bulging disc in neck. The backbone runs along the neck, as well as the upper and lower back . Sharp lower back pain which is often experienced in the form of sudden current like pain when coughing, sneezing or with any quick movement is also a symptom of bulging disc in neck.

Pain in Limbs: Pain in the limbs - arms and legs is also one of the main symptoms of bulging disc in neck. Pain in the buttocks also has been observed in patients of bulging disc in neck. This is because of the spine structure as explained above and the overuse of any of these parts. Overuse can alter the placement of discs or hamper their functioning, leading to bulging discs.

Numbness and Tingling: Having a tingling sensation and a feeling of numbness are also symptoms. It means when you have an abnormal sensations in the skin which includes sudden light pricking sensation, burning sensation or a feeling of something creeping onto your skin. This is known as paresthesia. Numbness is also a symptom of bulging disc in neck that involves loss of sensation and leads to inability to move the neck.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of bulging disc in neck is done with the help of MRI or CT scans. With the help of these tests it can be confirmed whether the intervertebral discs are dislocated or ruptured altogether i.e. if it is bulging disc in neck or herniated disc. Accurate detection is important for the administration of the right treatment.

Treatment
Once the symptoms are detected accurately, a suitable treatment can be chosen. There are certain exercises for bulging disc which can help you relieve the pain. Simple tips like keeping the legs elevated while sleeping, not wearing high heeled shoes, placing your feet at a higher level than the hips when sitting for long hours, bending from the knees instead of the back while lifting heavy objects help in curing the ailment. Yoga is one the most popular bulging disc treatments. There are certain yoga poses that help you get rid of back pain as also some other lower back exercises that serve as effective treatments for bulging disc in neck. In extreme cases acupuncture is recommended as a bulging disc in neck treatment. Bulging disc exercises also include traction, heat therapy and spine exercises. In severe cases a neck support is beneficial. Out of so many bulging disc treatment options, your physician is the best person to decide which one would suit you best and give you bulging disc pain relief.

The key to preventing bulging disc in neck is to reduce stress on the spine and take adequate rest. In extremely severe cases, you may be advised bulging disc surgery. Don't worry; bulging disc in neck is definitely curable. Hope this article helped you in knowing about the symptoms and enlightened you on the ways to cure this ailment.