Bulging Disc Pain

The spinal column consist of a series of bony segments known as vertebrae. Discs are soft jelly like substances that are present in between these vertebrae bones and protect them from getting rubbed against each other. In short, they act as shock absorbers. Bulging disc can be described as a state where the disc has slipped out of its normal range of radius in the spinal cord. Every person with a bulging disc does not experience painful symptoms. This condition gives rise to bulging disc pain when this disc starts exerting pressure on the nearby nerves in the spinal cord.

Causes and Symptoms

The main cause of bulging disc is the gradual weakening of the disc. For this reason, it is mostly found in elderly people. As we grow old, the bones and cartilages lose their natural elastic properties which makes them susceptible to this kind of wear and tear. Repetitive use of the spinal column for activities like bending, sitting, lifting of heavy objects can also weaken the discs. Even poor or wrong posture is another factor responsible for this problem.

Bulging disc pain is characterized by a sharp lower back pain which is felt at the location where the disc is protruding out. The severity of the pain largely depends on how badly the nerve root is compressed. In some people, the pain can be so severe that the patient may find it difficult to straighten the back. In others, the pain may get extended to the legs as well. For bulging disc in neck, the pain is experienced on the shoulder and arms. As the nerves are involved, the pain is accompanied by tingling and numbness. These symptoms can be felt in the extremities of the body such as the hands and feet where the nerve leads. It can also weaken the muscle and causes muscle spasms.

Treatment

Bulging disc pain is diagnosed with the help of physical examination and some laboratory tests like X-rays and MRI scan. The main aim of bulging disc treatment is to provide relief from the pain as early as possible. For this, the first thing that needs to be done is to take adequate amount of rest. All such activities that can aggravate the pain should be suspended. In the first two days, application of ice pack helps a lot in pain management. It should be applied several times in a day but the duration of each application should not be more than 10-15 minutes. After two days, heat can be applied either with help of heating pads or by taking hot baths. This improves blood circulation in the area which in turn brings down the swelling.

When the pain is moderate, then these home treatments are not just enough. It should be accompanied by pain medications. Depending on the severity of the pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, muscle relaxants, narcotics are used to reduce the pain. For a more severe form of pain, oral steroid medicines or cortisone injections are administered to control the pain. Even pain relieving gels are applied topically to give temporary relief from the excruciating pain. If all these non-invasive methods of treatment fail to show desired results, then surgical option is availed as a last resort. Usually, it is carried out in severe cases of herniated discs only.

As the pain begins to subside with the conservative methods of treatment, you must do some exercises for bulging disc pain regularly. It could be some mild stretching exercises, aerobics, swimming, yoga, etc. These kinds of bulging disc exercises add strength to the muscles and ligaments which in turn provides adequate support to the bulging disc. It is recommended that they are carried out under the supervision of a professional trainer.