Protruding Disc

Protruding Disc, commonly known as a bulging disc is a condition wherein there is protusion of the soft material inside the disc. In medical terms, it is called a herniated disc in the spine. A connective tissue usually surrounds the disc. In a protruding disc, the soft material in the disc is pushed out through this connecting tissue. It does not actually leak out or flow out in early stage but due to the protusion, a buldge is formed. The soft material which we are talking about here is called the nucleus pulposus while the outer layer through which it tries to push out is known as the annulus fibrosis. A protruding disc in the lower back and neck, are the two most common examples of this disc. Sometimes, this condition is also called slipped disc. However, most doctors say that this is a misleading term for the condition.

What are the Causes?
Protruding disc is usually caused, in most cases, due to trauma to the spinal cord. This is the most common cause. A fall from the stairs, a car accident, pressure on the back due to some accident and the sort. It is however said that small traumas over a period of time can also lead to this condition. Another cause can also be genetic issues. Which means that the person is born with a weaker spinal cord. This is not so common but there have been cases wherein the patients have been born with weaker spinal discs. People who have addictions such as excessive smoking and drinking, are more prone to developing a protruding disc.

What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of a protruding disc may vary depending on the nerves that are affected due to the bulging disc. Sounds weird? Okay, let me explain this in a simpler way. The spinal discs will not feel pain of the bulging as they are designed to absorb shock. Interesting right? But now what happens is that this buldge starts applying pressure on the nerves that exit the spinal cord in that region. This part where the nerves are affected, is very painful. Not only this, but the parts of the body these nerves control, are also affected. If you have a bulging disc in neck, you will notice symptoms such as shoulder pain, the obvious neck pain and chest pain too. It is said that if the conditions are serious, the symptoms may also increase to thyroid problems and occurrence of heart palpitations.

What is the Treatment?
Some simple treatments such as application of ice can be really effective. However, these can help only if the problem is detected in the early stages, and is not very severe. Doctors usually suggest the application of ice for 25 minutes after every 4 hours approximately. Another basic treatment which can be implied along with the ice treatment is giving the spine enough rest and some physical therapy sessions. Heard of the 'Epidural Steroid Injection? Sometimes, doctors give this injection as treatment. It is given right next to the protruding disc and it reduces pain and inflammation. It works for about half the patients and lasts anywhere between few weeks to few months. For the severe cases, a bulging disc surgery known as hemi-laminectomy is performed wherein using a camera attached to a medical operating instrument, the doctor will clean or repair the disc. This lasts about an hour or less.

Note: All treatments should be performed after compulsory consultation of a doctor.

Now that you know everything about the protruding disc, you can check for the symptoms yourself. If you are experiencing some pain after a particular injury or accident, it is best to get yourself checked as soon as possible. I say as soon as possible because we have seen the conditions it can lead to if not treated well in time. If your case is not so serious, you can also ask your doctor for some exercises which are very effective in most cases. Remember, that self diagnosis in such cases is never advisable so get yourself checked soon if you think you might be having a protruding or bulging disc.