Many people erroneously think that a disc herniation is also a bulging disc. However, there are distinct differences between the two medical conditions.

A bulging disc is a medical condition that shows an extension of more or less 3mm disc tissues from the L5-S1 vertebrae. A bulging disc can be caused by:

• Deformity on the adjacent structure
• Osteoporosis
• Trauma
• Advanced degeneration of the disc

Deep pain in the lower back usually felt by the patient is confirmed as a bulging disc when an MRI finding sees an annular tear. A CT scan can also confirm the annular tear finding of the MRI.

What are the Symptoms of a Bulging Disc?

The spinal discs in your vertebrae perform as shock absorbers of the body. Damage to the bone and spinal tissue is prevented by the spinal discs.

Ease of movement is also achieved with the help of the spinal discs. The liquified centre and the hard casing of the spinal discs help them perform as the body’s shock absorber. 

The normal positioning of the disc can be caused by slipping or sudden movements. The trauma caused by accidents causes the fluid material of the disc to swell outwardly. The ballooning of the disc between the vertebrae’s spaces happens after the body has been subjected to numerous trauma.

The condition is likely to worsen when left undiagnosed. A protruding disc is a simpler explanation for a bulging disc.

Pain will not be felt at the onset until the condition becomes severe. Identifying a bulging disc condition is often difficult as it only becomes symptomatic when the condition worsens.

The symptoms manifested by a bulging disc that is almost or already herniated include:

• Feeling powerless while holding or lifting things
• Walking with difficulty
• The tingling or pain felt in the upper body such as the hands, fingers, arms, etc could be a bulging disc.
• The lumbar area is affected when pain in the buttocks, thighs, feet, and lower spine are felt.
• A bulging disc at the mid-spine causes pain in the upper back that can be felt in the chest or stomach
• Incontinence of the bladder happens when the nerves of the bladder are compressed by the bulging disc
• A bulging disc condition may cause muscle spasms

Medical evaluation is immediately required once an individual manifests the above-stated symptoms. A bulging disc is seen as life-threatening when it is ignored.

What are the Causes of a Bulging Disc?

The best resource to make the doctor suspect a bulging disc condition comes from the patient. While ageing is seen as the most natural cause of disc degeneration, risk factors that can potentially cause the condition include:

• Smoking or a sedentary lifestyle
• Poor posture
• Improper positioning of the body while exercising, sleeping, standing, and sitting
• Heavy lifting, injury, or other strenuous activities that continuously put a strain on the disc
• Trauma caused by a herniated disc could become a bulging disc over time
• Acceleration of the process due to weak back muscles
• Stressful activities causing unnecessary strain on the spine
• Runners failing to use orthopaedic shoes to provide the necessary support for the spine
• Being overweight
• High-contact activities or sports

Diagnostic Tools Used to Determine a Bulging Disc

Diagnosing a bulging disc condition includes:

• MRI scans
• CT scans
• X-ray

Give us a call if you want to know the effective exercises for a bulging disc.