"Bulging Disc Explained"
By Tommy Hoffman, Licensed Physical Therapist
A bulging disc occurs when there is a "weakening" in the annular fibers that hold the "jelly" like material of the disc in place.
This bulging "disc" of jelly like material is quite hydrophilic, containing much water. It serves as a sort of shock absorber for your spine. As we get older the amount of water that resides in the "disc" becomes much less.
When the annular fibers that hold a disc into place have weakened, the material inside may begin to "bulge" outward and cause some compression on a spinal nerve root. This in turn can cause symptoms of pain, numbness and/or weakness.
A BULGING DISC in your lower back or neck is quite similar to a herniated disc and often the terms are incorrectly interchangeable by the lay person.
Many times, a bulging disc will manifest into a herniated disc. Especially as symptoms are ignored and the offending activity continues to occur unchecked (see postural dysfunction below).
Usually, symptoms are unilateral and present only on one side. People presenting this way often term the condition "Sciatica". This is not completely accurate as irritation to the sciatic nerve may occur for several different reasons.
Causes for a bulging disc can be age related, traumatic (such as a MVA or slip and fall), or due in part to postural dysfunction in sitting.
It is not unusual to find many clients presenting with a bulging disc after a long series of heavy lifting or carrying activities. This is however quite preventable following a few simple guidelines.
Treatment may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture or acupressure and epidural steroid injections. Epidural steroid injections are usually limited to a series of three.
Please visit my "bulging disc quick fix" located on this website for an easy to follow three step program towards healing your bulging disc today. It's free!
When conservative care fails, surgical intervention in the way of spinal decompression may be in order. But before contemplating surgery, please be sure to try these 5 tips for developing a pain free lower back due to a bulging or herniated disc.
