A bulging disc can occur at any level of the spine, from the cervical (neck) region all the way down to the lumbar (lower back) region. However, the vast majority of bulging discs arise in the area of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. Why is that, exactly? Because over the years, the stress borne by this area of the lower back creates the conditions necessary to force the outer wall of a disc out of its normal boundary. This and other degenerative spine conditions are, much more often than not, a natural result of getting older. By the time most people have reached middle age, at least some spinal degeneration has begun to take place. In particular, the intervertebral discs of the lumbar region are among the most vulnerable components of the spinal anatomy when it comes to age-related deterioration.

What Is A Bulging Disc?

Discs are composed of two main elements – a gel-like interior (nucleus pulposus), and a cartilaginous outer wall (annulus fibrosus). A bulging disc is alternately referred to as a “slipped disc” or a “disc protrusion.” As mentioned above, the bulge occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc pushes out beyond its normal circumference. Most of the time, a bulging disc goes unnoticed because it does not produce symptoms on its own. Only when a portion of the misshapen disc wall makes contact with the spinal cord or an adjacent nerve root will localized pain, peripheral pain, tingling, numbness, and/or muscle weakness become a problem. In some cases, symptoms are only experienced when the body is placed in certain positions, such as twisting or turning, which bring the disc wall into contact with a neural component. In other cases, symptoms are constant or nearly so. Bulging discs are often confused with a related condition – herniated discs – which involve a tear in the outer wall of a disc and the seepage of inner disc material.

How A Bulging Disc Develops

As mentioned above, the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine is the most common site for the development of a bulging disc. The area of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae is particularly vulnerable, because in most people this area is extremely flexible and is the portion of the spine that bears the most upper body weight. This combination of characteristics places a great deal of stress on the anatomical components of the lower back. Over the years, this stress takes its toll on the intervertebral discs, vertebral joints (facet joints), ligaments, and other components. For example, years of back movement can begin to break down the cartilage that protects and lubricates the facet joints. This cartilage deterioration is a form of arthritis (osteoarthritis), and it can reduce the ability of the facet joints to perform. Weakened facet joints can produce excess pressure on an intervertebral disc, forcing the disc wall out of its normal boundary (a bulging disc). A physically demanding job, participation in high-impact sports, injury, or an age-related reduction in water content within a disc’s nucleus also can contribute to the development of bulging discs.

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