Bulging Disc

The human spinal cord is enclosed within the spine, which is made up of a number of intervertebral discs. The main function of this system is to support body weight. However, on account of stress and age, the discs degenerate. The discs that otherwise act like shock absorbers to resist impact, lose out on flexibility and spongy nature.

Bulging Disc

Bulging disc is a term that refers to a spine condition. The problem mainly affects the lumbar region or the lower back. The condition is characteristic of a bulge in one or many spine discs. The bulge is seen through a crevice and is mostly made up of gelatinous material that is soft. The bulge indicates a shifted disc, moved well out of primary radius. The condition mostly accompanies the aging process.

Difference Between Bulging Disc and Herniated Disc

A bulging disc is not the same as what is clinically referred to as a 'herniated disc'. While the latter is a sudden development, the former occurs gradually. In the case of a herniated disc, the condition arises out of a trauma or injury in or around the region. Bulging disc, on the other hand, sets in with the natural aging process and is not accompanied by pain; unless of course, the disc does get herniated or interferes with a nerve.

Bulging Disc Treatment

The diagnosis of the condition is usually alongside some other health or posture related problem. This is mainly because the bulging disc is not always accompanied by acute lower back pain. The diagnosis, most of the time, surfaces out of a routine imaging test via dedicated magnetic resonance imaging or an MRI scan of the region. The condition does not prove a handicap until it begins to hurt or herniates and/or ruptures. The treatment options in the case of bulging disc is relatively conservative. Doctors and physiotherapists mainly advise the patient to rest the back and restrict the lifting of weights. The other remedies include:

• A combination of ice and heat therapy.
• Anti-inflammatory medication.
• Cortisone injections.
• Pain killers to cope with associated pain.
• Physiotherapy with special back exercises.

Although the bulging disc condition is mainly associated with the lumbar or lower back region, it also surfaces in the neck area. This condition brings on a shooting pain between the shoulders and arms. Such a pain is indicative of a pinched nerve in the region. In the case of the commonly observed bulging disc condition of the lumbar region in the spine, the back pain is radiated towards the lower appendages, or legs. Bulging disc treatment is administered or even considered after a thorough physical examination. It is important for the doctor to diagnose the region and cause of discomfort to begin the treatment plan. Only in severe cases is back surgery opted for. This is mainly the option in the case of a bulge that becomes herniated.

Risks of Bulging Disc

The condition manifests in the form of symptoms that are indicative of the region affected. Pain and discomfort in the hips, legs, arms, neck and lower back should not be ignored, if persistent. The risk factors ushered in with such ignorance include the development of the soft-tissue bulge into a herniated disc and sometimes, rupturing of the bulge. This not only worsens the condition, but also ends up in restricted movement and abnormal posture.