Common Causes of Bulging Discs

Your spinal column is comprised of vertebrae. In between each of the vertebral bones are rubbery, elastic discs, which serve as cushions for movement in the spine.

A disc that is compressed does not usually burst, which would allow the softer inner material to leak out. A burst disc is also known as a herniated disc, slipped disc, or ruptured disc, and causes more pain than just a bulging disc. In this article, we will discuss the development of a bulging disc, the differences between a bulging disc and a herniated disc, and what can be done to repair it.

Who Is at Risk of a Bulging Disc

A bulging disc is much more likely to occur in people over the age of 60. Men between 30 and 50 are more likely to suffer from bulging discs than women. Natural dehydration associated with aging makes staying hydrated and active all the more crucial to maintaining your spine’s integrity and mobility.

You can put stress on your spine by constantly slouching, which in turn puts stress on your discs, which contain the necessary support for the vertebrae. As a precaution against developing bulging discs from slouching, it is recommended to sit up straight, constantly adjust your posture, and move around frequently.

How a Bulging Disc Differs from a Herniated Disc

Before we explain the difference between a bulging disc and herniated disc, it is crucial to know the anatomy of the spine and discs.

Anatomy of the Spine

Your spine provides you with support and structure, which allows you to stand, bend, and twist. Additionally, the spine protects the spinal cord (part of the central nervous system), which transmits signals to your body parts so that you can move and feel. 33 bones make up the spine, which is divided into three major sections:

Cervical: the seven vertebrae of the neck.
Thoracic: comprised of 12 vertebrae at the top and middle of the back.
Lumbar: consists of five vertebrae in the lower back.

There are two parts to each fibrous intervertebral disc (IVD):

Nucleus pulposus: There is a jelly-like core at the center of the disc. About 80% of it consists of water and collagen fibers. Discs are able to act as shock absorbers for the spine due to their elasticity.
Annulus fibrosus: Around and protecting the nucleus are seven to fifteen layers of fiber. The discs have a slight arch or curvature of about 30° that provides traction and structural support.

As your spine moves, your discs adjust to support your vertebrae. You bend over, for instance, and the anterior (front of your disc) compresses while the posterior (back of your disc) stretches. Herniation of a disc occurs when a tear in the annulus allows the nucleus to spill out. The small space in the spinal canal allows the nucleus to compress nerve roots or spinal cords. In some rare cases, the nucleus of the disc can project into the spinal canal, foramen, or extrude in multiple places (multifocal extruded disc). Herniated discs are typically the final stages of degeneration. The lumbar region is the most common location of herniated discs, though they can occur anywhere. Herniated discs may also be referred to as slipped discs, ruptured discs, or disc extrusions.

What Typically Causes Bulging Discs?

There are several interconnected bones in the spine. Soft tissues, the spinal cord, and the nerves that pass through the spine are protected by the vertebrae. Each vertebra is separated by a connective disc, which maintains flexibility. Each disc is composed of strong elastic tissues.

The spinal discs increase in size when the spine bends or rotates so that the bones do not rub against each other. Discs can dislodge from the spine. This occurs mostly in the lower spine. Occasionally, it can also cause a bulge in the spinal canal when it occurs in the upper portion of the spine. Herniated discs can result when the condition is more severe.

Bulging and herniated are terms used to describe the disc. The disc is composed of a soft inner substance and an outer layer that maintains its structure. Lifting weights with improper form and having poor posture are examples of things that can cause long-term damage.

Other causes of bulging discs may include:

Trauma Injury: Collisions and injuries can result in spinal misalignment and long-term effects such as bulging discs.

Being Overweight: Overweight or obese men and women are at risk since excess weight puts pressure on their spine. Additionally, they are more likely to experience the same disc damage again.

Smoking: Nicotine reduces the flow of blood to vertebral discs, increasing the risk of a herniated disc. Degeneration of the disc is accelerated by this, and the healing process is decreased.

Being Inactive: A sedentary lifestyle combined with being overweight are very common causes of bulging discs in Florida. Staying active is one of the best ways to prevent back pain injuries as you get older.

Work Related Injury: A bulging disc is more likely to occur in jobs that involve repetitive movements such as bending, lifting, standing, or driving long distances.

Deterioration: Due to natural wear and tear, vertebrae and spinal discs deteriorate with time. Discs can bulge and protrude if they are subjected to additional stresses, such as strain, misalignment, and injuries. As you age, disc water content will decrease and disc structure will weaken. Degenerative disc disease may also lead to bulging discs, pain, and additional problems.

Symptoms to Expect If You Have a Bulging Disc

A range of symptoms can be experienced depending on the person and the situation:

Pain in the back that comes and goes.
Pain that is worsened by movement, sneezing, or standing for long periods of time.
Back spasms
Leg weakness
Consistent numbness in a leg or foot.
Symptoms of sciatica include pain that starts at the buttocks and spreads down the leg to the calf or foot.

In some cases, a bulging disc may not produce any symptoms. There are, however, some cases in which the disc presses on a spinal nerve. When this happens there can be:

Numbness or tingling in the shoulders, arms, or fingers.
A reduced range of motion.

The amount of pressure on the nerve will determine how severe the symptoms are. Inactivity often worsens symptoms; rest improves them. It is the vertebrae’s job to absorb shocks in the spine and allow our bodies to move. Weakened discs can swell and extend outside of their normal position when they bulge, which usually happens in the low back. Spinal subluxation, caused by bulging discs, can cause painful symptoms on their own, or lead to a disc herniation, which can result in further complications. Furthermore, bulging discs may put pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in more severe pain.

It is important to identify warning signs and possible causes of bulging discs in order to avoid disc herniations and serious issues, which can include pain or tingling sensations in the extremities, difficulties walking, radiating pain, and muscle spasms and discomfort that may affect the legs. By receiving early evaluation, diagnostic assessment, and targeted treatment, patients can alleviate their pain and avert severe problems from developing.

Treatment Options for Bulging Discs

Spine Specialist

Visiting a spine specialist is the best option as he or she will do a physical exam and will likely order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and/or an MRI. The procedure provides a noninvasive way for your physician to examine the discs between your vertebrae. Medications, minimally invasive spine surgery, or physical therapy may be recommended by the orthopedic spine specialist.

Exercise and Physical Therapy

Some doctors prescribe exercises along with medications and other pain management techniques. Physical therapists can help people practice these or they can do them at home. When treating a bulging disc in the neck, gentle stretching exercises are mixed with muscle strengthening exercises.

Exercising the neck can reduce pressure on the bulging disc and help relieve pain. When stretching the neck, you normally move your head slowly forward, backward, or side to side. As well as assisting in lifting objects and walking correctly, a physical therapist will help you improve your posture and form. If you are bending your knees to lift an object from the ground, make sure your back is straight. This will help prevent future injuries.

Spinal Disc Decompression

In spinal disc decompression, the spine is gently stretched. The spinal discs will be relieved of pressure as the force and position of the spine changes. As a result, bulging or protruding discs may retract as a result of negative pressure from this therapy. By reducing intradiscal pressure, the pressure on nerves and other structures in the spine can be further reduced. As a result, nutrient- and oxygen-rich fluids are able to move into the disc, allowing it to heal, decrease pain, and improve mobility.

If you’re experiencing back pain, spasms, or leg weakness and suspect you may have a bulging disc. contact Florida Surgery Consultants for a consultation.