Bulging Disc Explained – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnoses, and Treatments

What is the bulging disc?

Bulging disc is a change in the shape and position of the intervertebral disc that serves as a support between the vertebrae. A problem like bulging disc can happen at any age but it is more common in the people who are aged or those who are involved in hard physical activities for extended periods of time. To know more about bulging discs, it is necessary to know about some symptoms, causes and treatments of this disease in detail. The spine in a human body consists of discs in the vertebral column that act as a damper and absorb shocks or jerks to keep the bones and spinal tissues safe from any damage. Not only that, they help in moving and twisting the body. Vertebrae discs are enclosed in a hard casing and fluid like centre.  The liquid material starts to swell outwards from the weakest point of the shell when the disc moves or slip from its normal position. Usually, the disc balloons develop between spaces present in the vertebrae and the same process happens for a longer period. Symptoms also get worse when the same condition progressed.

What are the symptoms of the bulging disc?

The patient can feel minor or no pain before the bulging disc problem turns to the stage of herniation. It is difficult to indicate the symptoms of the bulging disc without the pain reach a certain severity level. Bulging discs are known to develop pressure on the nearby nerves due to which patient feels a variety of sensations. From minor tingling to severe pain, the evidence of bulging discs may vary depending on the muscle strength. Mostly when the disease reached such stages, it is very close to herniation. If the patients feel pain on the upper body including shoulder, neck, arms, hands and fingers then this is the sign of bulging disc at the cervical area. On the other hand, if the pain is in lower spine, buttocks, thighs and feet, this indicates bulging disc has disturbance that occurs in the lumbar area. Patients having all these symptoms need instant medication as they might be the sign of the potentially fatal condition.

With the irritation or disturbance in the sciatic nerve, either the right or left leg may have pain. Due to the compression in bulging discs bladder incontinence can happen, patients must get medical aid in such cases or should see a doctor. Symptoms that include upper back pain which move towards chest and stomach are the indication of the mid-spine bulging disc. Apart from all these symptoms, some patients spent years with bulging disc without any clear symptoms and for some experiences severe and extreme consequences.

Conditions and postures that cause bulging disc pain

The best resource to indicate the reason for the disease is the patient himself. Doctors look to find the cause of problems by asking the patients about their recent activities, their lifestyle and about their occupation. Commonly, ageing process along with other factors that involve risks are the main reasons of a bulging disc. Men or women who smoke or stay physically inactive have more chances to get diagnosed with bulging disc problem. Over the time, the discs may get weaker, continuous strain due to an injury or by lifting something heavy can gradually wear them down. Sudden herniation may also occur due to the weak back muscles and quick wearing down of the discs.

Poor posture and bad positioning of the body can also be the cause of having a bulging disc problem. Habits like the wrong posture during sitting, standing and sleeping are the most common mistakes that people make. Not only that, some exercises and high contact sports combined with obesity are also some common factors. Choosing the wrong type of shoes for running may also initiate back pain that ends in a bulging disc.

How to diagnose the problem?

To diagnose a bulging disc problem, scans like MRI and CT scan are necessary, doctors usually try to diagnose the pain by examining medically with X-ray and other techniques. The change in the shape of the disc is determined by these testing techniques. After diagnosing the pain, proper medication and exercises are prescribed. Managing the pain accurately plays a key role in the treatment. Physiotherapist, as well as a patient, should equally manage the process by predicting the severity of the problem.   Initially, patients are advised to keep changing their posture and behaviours in terms of sitting, standing and sleeping for relief.  Treating the factors that initiate or causes the pain should be addressed to gradually get rid of the problem. Patients who are chubby or overweight should follow a weight reduction plan with proper diet and exercise. Physical therapy sessions can also be attended with the instruction of the doctor to strengthen the lower back muscles. If the condition is severe, the focus should be to prevent herniation with non-surgical treatments.

Heat therapies, as well as cold therapy treatments, are also prescribed for temporary Low back pain relief and to reduce pain symptoms. Massage, ice packs, physical therapy and many other treatments are also recommended. Back support belts, braces and other disc decompression devices are also in demand these days. People who have to sit on computer desks for hours and have bulging disc problems use chair support and belts to have the right spinal position while working or driving.

Treatment and prevention of bulging disc

From different studies, it can be observed that the bulging disc develops gradually over time. It is not only confined to aged people but can also happen to youngsters. If there are any symptoms, scans and medical testing can identify and help to show the changing in the position and shape of the discs in the vertebral column. Patients can also feel pain before any disturbance or disc bulging and treating the problem early can always save from any major disease. An authentic non-invasive bulging disc treatment or muscle strengthening exercises are best to treat and prevent bulging disc pain. Consulting a doctor must not be ignored and proper medication must be acquired.