About Bulging Discs

Bulging Disc Overview

A bulging disc can cause discomfort and disability in various parts of the body, depending on the location of the affected disc(s). A bulging disc occurs when one of the discs between your vertebrae develops a weak spot and pops out beyond its normal perimeter. Interestingly, many people might have a bulging disc and not even know it, as long as the bulging area does not press upon surrounding tissues. When the bulging disc impinges on the nerves of the spinal column, however, that’s typically when symptoms begin. In the lower back, the damaged disc can cause pain to travel to the hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. In the upper back, the pain would radiate from the neck down the arm and to the fingers.

Approximately 90% of bulging discs occur in the lower back, or lumbar area of the spine. The most common lumbar bulging disc is seen around levels L4-L5 (lumbar segments 4 and 5) or L5-S1 (lumbar segment 5 and sacral segment1), which causes pain in the L5 nerve or S1 nerve, respectively. If the bulging disc impinges on the sciatic nerve in the lower back, it can lead to a back problem called sciatica. On the other hand, if the bulging disc is located in the neck, it is called a cervical bulging disc.

If you are concerned that you're starting to show signs of a bulging disc, you should take the time to visit our bulging disc symptoms page and also see your doctor to confirm your suspicions.

Bulging Disc Causes & Treatments

A bulging disc can be very painful, but you can increase your chances of avoiding this condition by learning more about bulging disc causes. It is important to know what activities to avoid and which ones you should take precautions against. Some ways you might be able to avoid a bulging disc are by protecting your back when lifting, using good posture, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise. You should also be aware that age is another risk factor for bulging discs, since discs tend to become weaker and less elastic over the years.

After you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, your doctor will recommend a range of treatments such as rest, a heating pad, exercises, and medication. Most of the time, a bulging disc will heal on its own, but in a certain percentage of cases, your doctor may recommend surgery.

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If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc and the pain is limiting your ability to live life to the fullest, we suggest that you view our page dedicated to bulging disc treatment. Here you can see how you can reclaim your life with a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed at Laser Spine Institute.

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