The condition wherein the intervertebral disc’s inner portion starts to protrude from the disc’s outer wall is called a bulging disc. A bulging disc is a degenerative condition that typically develops over time.
While a bulging disc has many types, the lower back is the most common location in almost 90 percent of cases. The bulges applying pressure on the sciatic nerve cause possible weakness, tingling, numbness, and pain in the leg. The weakness originating from the lower back traverses through the buttock and down to the back of the leg’s large sciatic nerve.
The Difference between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc
Affecting the intervertebral discs makes the herniated and bulging disc often an interchangeable condition. However, a bulging disc shows several differences from that of a herniated disc.
Bulging disc
A bulging disc does not show a broken disc. The intervertebral disc’s outer wall in a bulging disc remains intact but not broken. However, the pain caused by the condition is due to the bulge in the outer wall of the intervertebral disc.
Herniated disc
A complete collapse or partial rupture of the outer wall of the intervertebral disc causes the condition known as the herniated disc. The pressure caused on the spinal nerves or spinal cord is due to the spilling out of the gel-like material from inside the disc.
Yet, whether they are non-contained or contained is the main difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc.
The Common Causes of a Bulging Disc
The weakening process of the outer layer of the disc happens as people age. This makes the bulging disc one of the most common conditions for many people. Yet, age is not the common denominator for causing the condition as some activities can also cause the condition.
Some of the most common causes of a bulging disc include:
- Contact sports
- The repetitive motions used while working
- Trauma
- Improper lifting techniques
- Genetics
- Incorrect posture
The deterioration process of the outer layer of the disc is also hastened by factors like being overweight, too much alcohol consumption, and smoking.
The Common Symptoms of a Bulging Disc
Many bulging disc cases are asymptomatic, meaning that people having it do not suffer any pain or show symptoms. However, the symptoms start to be felt when the bulge compresses or pinches the nerves.
The varied symptoms felt by a patient depend on the compression level and the location of the nerve.
Symptoms of a lumbar bulging disc condition
Pain felt on the feet, hips, buttocks, and legs are symptoms of a lumbar bulging disc condition. Sciatica is the condition used for a bulging disc located in the lower back. The debilitating pain caused by sciatica makes it difficult for a patient to complete activities of daily living.
Symptoms of a Cervical Bulging disc condition
Pain that radiates from the neck going down to arms and fingers is a sign of a cervical spine damaged disc. Weakness, pain, numbness, and tingling are the common symptoms felt by patients suffering from this condition. Radiculitis or radicular pain is the condition given to pain radiating from the neck to the upper extremities.
Symptoms of Thoracic Bulging Disc condition
Pain being confined to the upper back often makes the thoracic bulging disc condition confused for heart, lung, or gastrointestinal issues. The pain felt in the upper back radiating to the chest and stomach is often the thing that confuses this type of bulging disc condition.
Contact to book an appointment for treatments for bulging disc.
June 18, 2024
Everything to Know About a Bulging Disc
Oakley Correa Health 0 Comments
The condition wherein the intervertebral disc’s inner portion starts to protrude from the disc’s outer wall is called a bulging disc. A bulging disc is a degenerative condition that typically develops over time.
While a bulging disc has many types, the lower back is the most common location in almost 90 percent of cases. The bulges applying pressure on the sciatic nerve cause possible weakness, tingling, numbness, and pain in the leg. The weakness originating from the lower back traverses through the buttock and down to the back of the leg’s large sciatic nerve.
The Difference between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc
Affecting the intervertebral discs makes the herniated and bulging disc often an interchangeable condition. However, a bulging disc shows several differences from that of a herniated disc.
Bulging disc
A bulging disc does not show a broken disc. The intervertebral disc’s outer wall in a bulging disc remains intact but not broken. However, the pain caused by the condition is due to the bulge in the outer wall of the intervertebral disc.
Herniated disc
A complete collapse or partial rupture of the outer wall of the intervertebral disc causes the condition known as the herniated disc. The pressure caused on the spinal nerves or spinal cord is due to the spilling out of the gel-like material from inside the disc.
Yet, whether they are non-contained or contained is the main difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc.
The Common Causes of a Bulging Disc
The weakening process of the outer layer of the disc happens as people age. This makes the bulging disc one of the most common conditions for many people. Yet, age is not the common denominator for causing the condition as some activities can also cause the condition.
Some of the most common causes of a bulging disc include:
The deterioration process of the outer layer of the disc is also hastened by factors like being overweight, too much alcohol consumption, and smoking.
The Common Symptoms of a Bulging Disc
Many bulging disc cases are asymptomatic, meaning that people having it do not suffer any pain or show symptoms. However, the symptoms start to be felt when the bulge compresses or pinches the nerves.
The varied symptoms felt by a patient depend on the compression level and the location of the nerve.
Symptoms of a lumbar bulging disc condition
Pain felt on the feet, hips, buttocks, and legs are symptoms of a lumbar bulging disc condition. Sciatica is the condition used for a bulging disc located in the lower back. The debilitating pain caused by sciatica makes it difficult for a patient to complete activities of daily living.
Symptoms of a Cervical Bulging disc condition
Pain that radiates from the neck going down to arms and fingers is a sign of a cervical spine damaged disc. Weakness, pain, numbness, and tingling are the common symptoms felt by patients suffering from this condition. Radiculitis or radicular pain is the condition given to pain radiating from the neck to the upper extremities.
Symptoms of Thoracic Bulging Disc condition
Pain being confined to the upper back often makes the thoracic bulging disc condition confused for heart, lung, or gastrointestinal issues. The pain felt in the upper back radiating to the chest and stomach is often the thing that confuses this type of bulging disc condition.
Contact to book an appointment for treatments for bulging disc.