BULGING DISC CAUSES

Exploring Bulging Disc Causes

Bulging disc causes can vary, as the condition is a relatively common occurrence amongst millions of people. In general, the main cause of a bulging disc is the process of aging. As we grow older, the spongy intervertebral discs that lie between the vertebrae in our spines begin to dehydrate and the cartilaginous tissue within the discs begins to break down. This loss of water content and cartilage degeneration cause the outer wall, known as the annulus fibrosus, to weaken. The inner disc material (nucleus pulposus) can push against the weakened outer wall of the disc and cause it to bulge outward past its normal boundary.

Other bulging disc causes include:

Traumatic injury – Blunt forces exerted on the back or neck could result in a bulging disc.

Repetitive movements or motions – People with occupations or hobbies requiring repetitive motions such as bending, lifting, and twisting often develop bulging discs.

Obesity – Excessive weight places undue stress on the spine, which could hasten the onset of degenerative processes.

Genetics – Some people are genetically predisposed to developing a bulging disc or other spinal issues, particularly if there is a strong family history of the condition.

Using tobacco products – The toxins released when using tobacco products have been shown to affect the rate at which intervertebral discs degenerate.

A Bulging Disc Sometimes Causes Symptoms

In most cases, a bulging disc is asymptomatic, but the condition can sometimes cause symptoms to develop in an individual. Typically, symptoms arise when the misshaped disc wall compresses the spinal cord or a nerve root. This can lead to pain felt at the site of compression and symptoms of pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling that radiate into the extremities, based on the location of the damaged disc.

Treatments

If a bulging disc causes symptoms, a doctor will likely recommend a course of conservative (non-surgical) treatments, such as physical therapy, nerve block and/or corticosteroid injections, and hot/cold therapy, among others. Surgery for a bulging disc is usually reserved for patients who’ve exhausted all forms of non-surgical treatments.

Bulging Disc Symptoms and Treatment Methods

The majority of individuals with a bulging disc never experience symptoms. In fact, many people with the condition aren’t aware of its presence. Those who do have symptomatic bulging discs, however, often experience a variety of symptoms, which are usually dependent on the location of the damaged disc and if the disc material impinges the neural structures that are housed within the spinal column.

Bulging Discs and Nerve Compression

As a bulging disc expands past its normal boundary, it may come in contact with the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root. This nerve compression can occur at any level of the spine, but the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) regions are the most common areas for a bulging disc and symptoms to arise.

For example, an individual with a bulging disc in the cervical region may experience a dull ache or sharp, burning sensation in the neck. Radiating symptoms of muscle weakness, tingling (“pins-and-needles” feeling), numbness, and pain can affect the shoulders, arms, and hands. Recurring headaches also may occur.

Bulging disc symptoms in the lumbar spine may present primarily as lower back pain. The hips, buttocks, legs, and feet can also be affected by pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling that travels down the length of an affected nerve.

Treatment Options

Individuals with a bulging disc may first be advised to complete a regimen of conservative treatments. These non-surgical methods often include physical therapy, behavior modification, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cold/heat therapy, among others. Some patients choose to attempt alternative treatments in lieu of or in combination with conservative methods. Alternative treatments tend to take a more holistic approach to pain relief and often include massage, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, stretching techniques, and the use of herbal supplements.

In most cases, several weeks or months of these non-surgical treatments are able to alleviate bulging disc symptoms. Surgery is seldom required to treat the condition and is reserved for individuals whose symptoms have not responded to conservative or alternative treatments. 

Steps to Take After Receiving a Bulging Disc Diagnosis

A bulging disc diagnosis can be worrisome news, but in most cases, patients with the condition are able to continue living their lives without too many limitations. In fact, most individuals never experience symptoms and therefore don’t realize that they have a bulging disc. However, some form of treatment is often required following the diagnosis of a symptomatic bulging disc.

Implementing a Treatment Plan

The first step an individual should take is to discuss possible treatment methods with the doctor or spine specialist who confirmed the bulging disc diagnosis. The majority of doctors initially recommend that a patient begin a course of conservative, or non-surgical, treatments. Some of these methods include:

Heat and/or cold therapy – The application of cold compresses or ice packs to the painful area surrounding a bulging disc can help to numb pain and reduce swelling. The application of heat via heating pads or warm baths can help to promote blood flow and relieve tense muscles. Heat therapy is often more effective several days after the onset of symptoms or after inflammation has reduced, since heat can aggravate inflamed tissues.

Physical therapy – Patients undergoing physical therapy are guided by trained professionals to help correct poor posture and body mechanics. Additionally, a physical therapist may recommend specific muscle strengthening exercises to a patient in order to strengthen the supportive back and abdominal muscles.

Pain medications – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often initially recommended after a bulging disc diagnosis to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Patients experiencing moderate to severe pain may benefit from stronger, prescription opioid medications or epidural steroid injections.

Some adjustment to a bulging disc treatment plan may be necessary, particularly if one method works better than another. Patients should maintain an open dialogue with their doctor about the status of their symptoms during the several weeks or months of treatment.

Is Surgery An Option?

Surgery is seldom recommended directly after a bulging disc diagnosis, unless the presence of the condition poses immediate and serious health risks. A doctor will only suggest surgery if a patient’s symptoms have not responded to non-surgical treatments after several weeks or months of implementation.

At AOMSI diagnostics, we provide the most accurate spinal imaging available in the healthcare marketplace.  This imaging has been proven in peer-reviewed medical journals to be the most accurate, reliable, and specific spinal imaging when compared to traditional spinal imaging modalities.  Often times we are able to expedite pre-authorizations for surgery or even overturn denials for spinal surgery after the VMA study is presented to insurance.

Contact us today to see if AOMSI diagnostics is right for you!