A bulging disc occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc extends beyond its normal boundary. It is sometimes referred to colloquially as a “slipped” disc, and is frequently confused with a related condition known as a herniated disc. A common misconception about bulging discs is that they always result in back pain and other neuropathic symptoms. In fact, a bulging disc usually produces symptoms only when the misshapen outer disc wall comes into contact with the spinal cord or an adjacent nerve root. In most cases, bulging discs are asymptomatic – many people have them and never even know it.

The Difference Between A Bulging Disc And A Herniated Disc

The reason a bulging disc is commonly confused with a herniated disc is that both of these degenerative spine conditions involve the protrusion of a portion of an intervertebral disc into the spinal canal. The main difference is one of structural integrity: With a bulging disc, the outer disc wall (annulus fibrosus) remains intact, whereas with a herniated disc, the gel-like inner portion (nucleus pulposus) leaks through a tear in the outer wall. In many cases, the wall of an intervertebral disc will be forced out of its boundary (or “bulge”) before rupturing, so a bulging disc may be an early indication that a disc herniation is imminent.

Anatomy Of An Intervertebral Disc

How do bulging discs form? In order to understand this, a rudimentary knowledge of the anatomy of the intervertebral disc is necessary. Discs are sponge-like cushions located between the vertebrae. The inner nucleus pulposus of each disc is made up of collagen and water. The outer annulus fibrosus is made up of layered cartilage material. The discs prevent the bony vertebrae from grinding against one another and contribute to the flexibility of the spine.

How A Bulging Disc Develops

By the time most people reach middle age, the discs have begun to lose their effectiveness as shock absorbers for the spine. This is because as the body ages, intervertebral discs begin to lose water content and become brittle. This degeneration causes the discs to lose height; and their ability to support and separate the vertebrae diminishes. The discs’ collective ability to withstand the pressure from adjacent vertebrae can force one or more disc walls out of their normal boundaries. The natural effects of aging can be accelerated by increased wear-and-tear (for example, working at a physically strenuous job) or by injury, which also can give rise to a bulging disc. The lumbar (lower back) region is the most common site for the development of bulging discs, but they can occur at any level of the spine.

Treating A Bulging Disc

Surgery is almost always the last resort for people suffering from back pain and other symptoms produced by nerve compression caused by a bulging disc. Most patients can manage the pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness associated with spinal nerve compression by using a regimen of doctor-recommended pain medicine, exercise, stretching, corticosteroid injections, and other conservative treatment methods. Only when all conservative methods have been exhausted after several weeks or months will a doctor typically recommend surgery as an option for bulging disc patients.

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 bulging discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Facet disease