Do You Have A Bulging Disk?

The disk is the soft and gelatinous materials responsible for the vertebrae cushioning in the spine. A bulging disk is a spine related conditions in which presents itself when the spine disks shift from its normal radius. This is commonly classified with age. The condition is caused by the inner disc's nucleus pressing on the outside wall leading to the bulging of the disc. This bulges inside a pocket and never ruptures.

Unlike the herniated disk which occurs as a result of an injury, a bulging disk occurs gradually over a long period of time. Pain is not prominent in this medical condition and can only present itself incase the condition becomes herniated or starts to protrude into a nerve. It can however, only be found via routine diagnostic imaging like the MRI (magnetic resonance imagining) by neuro specialist in chennai.

Bulging disks have been diagnosed more often than not as being a secondary result of another problem. However, they are never a problem unless they start to cause pain. The pain is commonly caused by herniated or rupturing. This is where most people start seeking for medical attention.

Basically, a bulging disc takes two paths. On the first path, no medical treatment is needed since it heals on its own. This is a common path followed by many disc injuries and some even go unnoticed. The next path requires medical attention. It is caused by extreme bulging of the disc to the extent of them rupturing. In spite of this not necessarily being symptomatic, it can be quite painful. At times, they can stabilize and the pain ebbs on their own. However, in chronic disc pain, medical treatment is necessary.

Common Causes of bulging disc

Age

This is the most common cause of the bulging disc. It occurs as a result of the inter-vertebral discs losing water which in the process leads to their drying up. Due to this drying up, the disc compresses. This leads to the weakening of the outer ring of the nucleus which leads it to bulge out. This leads to the bulging disc.

Strain

This is another common cause of the bulging disc. It is caused by continuous stress on the spine which leads to the rupturing of the annulus. This leads to the formation of a herniated disc. The materials of the disc then cause pressure on nerve roots which in the process leads to excessive pain, weakness, change in sensation or numbness.

Degenerative diseases

This occurs on the same way as the strain. These conditions are common in aged persons and can put the discs in the danger of bulging or get herniated.

Accidents

An injury can also lead to the abnormal positioning of the spinal discs. This subsequently leads to their bulging.

Overweight

Overweight persons give extra pressure on the discs leading to their bulging.

Posture

This is caused by poor sitting position, wearing of high heels or sleeping on the stomach. This leads to change in posture and in the process lead to strain on the spine.

Arthritis

This is also a common cause of the condition. It is caused by the inflammation that pushes discs out from their normal position. It is common on the upper back and the neck.

Treatment

The treatment of the bulging discs is known to be very conservative. Doctors often recommend heat and ice therapy as well as the anti-inflammatory medications. Cortisone injections are also used to deal with this condition. Severity of the condition can also lead to back surgery to relieve pain via relieve of compression on the nerves.