Bulging Disc

Spinal discs, which serve as stress absorbers between the vertebrae that make up your spine, shield the spinal tissue and bone from harm.

They also help to make movement easier. Discs have a hard casing and liquid-like center. Movement or slipping of the disc from its normal positioning results in an outward swelling of the fluid material throughout the weakest point of the shell of the disc. In many cases, the disc balloons in between spaces in the vertebrae. This process happens over an extended period. The longer that a condition progresses, the worse the symptoms will become. Bulging discs may refer to a protruding disc.

Symptoms of bulging disc: Symptoms of a bulging disk depend on its severity and location in the spine. Some people may have no initial symptoms. However, with further disk degeneration and herniation, a person may experience the following:

• back pain that worsens with movement, such as when sneezing
• spasms in the back muscles
• weakness and numbness in the legs and feet
• reduced mobility in the legs, knees, and ankles
• decreased bladder and bowel control
• difficulty walking
• sciatica
• reduced coordination

Causes of bulging disc: Bulging disks result from a change in the consistency of the gel in the disk center. A reduction in gel quality can cause the disk to become compressed and start to bulge.

• People who have led a sedentary lifestyle or those who smoke increase the chances for bulging disc.
• Continuous strain on the disc from injury or heavy lifting and strain can wear them down throughout the years.
• Weakened back muscles can accelerate the process and may lead to a sudden herniation of the weakened disc.
• Although bulging discs occur over time, herniated discs may occur quickly by trauma.
• Bad posture including improper body positioning during sleep, sitting, standing or exercise are all risk factors which may contribute to the development of a bulging disc.
• Obesity
• High contact sports or activities are also risk factors.
• Runners who fail to use shoes that provide orthopedic support may also develop bulging discs.
• Activities that place stress and strain on the spine can lead to the weakening of the discs.

Diagnosis of bulging disc: When you see one of our doctors for pain you need help with, we’ll conduct a complete medical history, examine your spine and ask you about your pain and how your symptoms developed. We might also:

• Check your reflexes, muscle strength, range of motion and stability
• Perform an MRI so we can see the position of the vertebrae in the area of your pain
• Perform other imaging tests as needed

We will provide an accurate diagnosis and work with you to provide treatment that meets your needs.

Treatment of bulging disc: Treatments for a bulging disk will depend on its severity and location. Doctors may recommend:

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in the lower back and abdomen.
• Bed rest: Bed rest for 1–2 days may offer some pain relief. However, people should reintroduce controlled, slow physical activity after this.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: This may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Steroid injections: Steroid injections into the space around the nerve may offer short term pain relief when other treatment options to not work. Doctors may use an X-ray to target the correct area.
• Surgery: Surgery for a herniated disk may improve pain and mobility, but is typically a last resort treatment option.

Exercises of bulging disc: Some exercises may help relieve the symptoms of a bulging disk in the back, but people should check with a doctor or physical therapist first. Exercising in the wrong way may worsen any symptoms. The following are examples of exercises that may help with a disk bulge in the lower back:

• Spinal decompression
• Cobra stretch
• Cat-cow stretch
• Forearm plank
• Knee hugs
• Back stretch

Effective management of bulging disk at Spine Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre (SPTRC) in Shyamoli requires teamwork among medical professionals and patients, which in turn improves the patients' quality of life.

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