Bulging discs and herniated discs are very similar. As a matter of fact, some health care professionals use the terms “bulging disc” and “herniated disc” interchangeably. However, according to many experts, a few distinctions can be made between the two conditions.

In the spinal column, we have a stack of small bones called vertebrae that are separated by cushioning intervertebral discs. The discs are made up of a jelly-like inner area called the nucleus pulposus that is surrounded by an outer cartilage wall called the annulus fibrosus.

To better understand the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc, think of the discs as jelly-filled donuts. Typically, a disc will bulge when the wall of the disc becomes weak and extends beyond its regular boundary. Think of this as the donut flattening out in one area, causing it to have a longer circumference at its widest point. A disc herniation occurs when the outer wall of the disc tears, allowing the jelly-like fluid to seep out. Think of it as jelly being squeezed out through an opening in the donut.

What’s So Bad About a Bulging or Herniated Disc?

Many times, people with a bulging disc cannot even tell that a disc is bulging. This usually occurs because, while the disc may be extending beyond its normal boundaries, it isn’t rubbing against anything else in the spinal column. However, when discs bulge they can possibly touch or impinge a nerve root or the spinal cord. A bulging disc that impinges on a nerve can cause pain at the point of compression, as well as cause pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness to occur anywhere the nerve travels, such as the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, chest, buttocks, legs, or feet.

When a disc herniates, the symptoms can be felt in two ways. The tear along the annulus fibrosus can cause localized pain in the neck or back at the site of the disc tear, as tiny nerves in the disc wall become irritated. Also, either the annulus fibrosus or the fluid from the nucleus pulposus can push on and irritate a nerve, which can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and discomfort to be transmitted along the nerve.

What Should You Do About a Bulging or Herniated Disc?

If you have been experiencing unexplained pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or general discomfort, see your doctor and explain your symptoms. Your doctor will be able to provide a proper diagnosis for your condition, help you to better understand it, and explain the treatment options available to you. In many cases, a doctor will likely prescribe a regimen of conservative, non-surgical treatments to alleviate the discomfort of a bulging disc, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gentle stretching, low-impact exercise, hot or cold compresses, and intermittent periods of rest. Other treatment options include corticosteroid injections, ultrasound therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and alternative treatments like acupressure, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, and massage.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of bulging discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for bulging discs and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/bulging_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of bulging discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: bulging disc