What ARE Herniated and Bulging Discs?
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which act as cushions and help absorb shock during movement. Each disc has a tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gel-like center (nucleus pulposus).
A bulging disc occurs when the disc extends beyond its normal boundaries but the outer layer remains intact. Bulging discs commonly develop as part of the normal aging process and often do not cause symptoms.
A herniated disc occurs when a tear develops in the outer layer of the disc, allowing part of the soft inner material to protrude outward. If the herniated material compresses or irritates a nearby spinal nerve, it can cause pain and other neurologic symptoms.
Herniated and bulging discs can occur anywhere in the spine but are most common in the neck and low back.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated and Bulging Disc?
Symptoms can also vary greatly depending on the location of the affected disc and the severity of spinal stenosis caused by the disc herniation or bulge. Many bulging and herniated discs do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally on imaging.
Herniated and bulging discs are associated with the following symptoms:
- Neck, mid and low back pain
- Pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, hand, buttock, leg, or foot
- Numbness and/ or tingling in the extremities
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spams
- Stiffness or decreased range of motion
- Difficulty walking or performing daily activities due to pain or weakness
Symptoms may worsen with prolonged sitting, bending, lifting, coughing, or sneezing.
What Causes Herniated and Bulging Discs?
Disc changes most commonly occur as part of the natural aging process. As discs lose water content over time, they become less flexible and more susceptible to bulging or tearing.
Contributing factors may also include:
- Age-related degeneration
- Repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting
- Sudden injury or trauma
- Heavy lifting with poor body mechanics
- Genetic predisposition
How ARE Herniated and Bulging DiscS Diagnosed and Treated?
Your provider will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical and neurologic examination. Diagnostic testing may also be ordered and reviewed including x-rays, CT scan, MRI, and/or nerve studies.
Treatment options may include:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxers
- Epidural steroid injections
- Activity or lifestyle modifications
If pain persists despite conservative treatment, or if significant weakness, progressive neurologic deficits, or severe nerve compression develops, surgery may be recommended.
If you are experiencing persistent neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, or pain that radiates into your arms or legs, schedule an appointment with Premier NeuroSpine Institute. We can help assess your pain and explore your options so you can improve your quality of life.