Discs act as shock absorbers between each pair of vertebrae in the spine. These spherical cushions have a strong outer layer (annulus) that encases the nucleus, much like a pillow. Discs are cushions of cartilage and connective tissue between each vertebra in the spinal column. When a disc ruptures or tears, a piece of the nucleus pushes through the annulus and into the spinal canal. Herniated discs typically manifest as early-stage degeneration in the disc. Neither the spinal nerve nor the herniated disc fragment can fit comfortably into the spinal canal due to its narrow diameter. When a disc moves out of place, it can pressure spinal nerves and cause excruciating pain. Though more prevalent in the lumbar region, bulging discs can also affect the cervical spine (cervical spine). How pain is felt is condition-specific and determined by the specific spinal region that is inflamed.
What is a Bulging Disc?
When the soft disks that separate the vertebrae in the spine are pushed to their limits, the result is known as a bulging disk. The vertebrae, the individual backbones that work together, form the spine. The vertebrae support the spine and allow for flexibility and movement in the back.
The spinal disks are the soft tissues that sit between each of your vertebrae. There wouldn't be any freedom of movement between the vertebrae if it weren't for the disks cushioning them. They cushion the blow of movement to keep things from breaking.
Each disk has a hard exterior and a gel core. This gel may harden and lose its flexibility over time. The gel can age, compress, and push out as quantity decreases. If the disk bulges too much, it could put pressure on a nerve or come into contact with it, causing excruciating discomfort.
The lumbar region of the spine is the most common place for a disk to protrude. Sometimes the disk's outer layer deteriorates and ruptures, allowing the gel-like interior to leak.
Causes of Bulging Discs
A change in the gel's viscosity at the disk's core causes the disk to swell. If the gel's quality drops, the disk may become squeezed and develop a bulge. Over time, the spinal disk gel deteriorates spontaneously. Although age is the most common cause of a disk bulge, injuries to the spine, such as those sustained in an automobile accident, can also contribute to the condition. The severity of symptoms may also increase if the patient sustains an accident. Other possible factors include:
- Participating in some forms of physical activity, especially those that call for repetitive motions
- Performing tasks that need you to move large objects as part of your job
- Being overweight or obese
- A lack of physical exertion in one's daily routine
- Smoking can hasten age-related disk deterioration by cutting off the organ's oxygen supply
Treatment Options for Bulging disks
Several treatments may be recommended depending on the bulge's intensity and location. Doctors prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to help with inflammation and discomfort. Injections may be an acceptable short-term therapy for patients experiencing extreme discomfort.
- Home care - If the discomfort from a bulging disk is minor, over-the-counter pain relievers may help. The muscles that support the disk can be strengthened by physical therapy and exercise, which may increase the range of motion.
- Exercises - If you have a bulging disk in your back, your doctor or a physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to alleviate your pain. Incorrect exercise techniques may exacerbate pre existing conditions. If the person's symptoms worsen while exercising, they should stop.
Disks can become herniated, or "bulge," when the soft cushions between your vertebrae are pressed too far. Most cases of disk bulging can be attributed to simple old age. Since the spinal cord and nerve roots are so close to the disk's center, any compression of these structures can cause excruciating pain and mobility issues. Medication, physical therapy, and patient self-care are all potential treatment components.