Bulging Disc Symptoms

A bulging disc occurs when one of the discs that lie between each of the vertebrae becomes flattened out, like a hamburger too big for its bun. This can occur for several reasons, including age, injury, and trauma. The condition will only start to cause symptoms if the disc presses against the nerve roots or spinal cord, in which case it can interrupt the sensory communications between the brain and the body.

The symptoms of a bulging disc vary somewhat based on several factors. The first is the severity of the condition; a severely bulging disc will usually cause worse symptoms. Next, the location of the disc impacts the symptoms - bulging discs can occur in either the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper back), or lumbar spine (lower back). This affects the symptoms as follows:

• The cervical and thoracic spine are home to the spinal cord, while the lumbar spine houses the cauda equina, a collection of nerves
• The nerves that run through the cervical spine innervate the entire body
• Those that run through the thoracic spine innervate the torso as well as the legs
• The lumbar spine innervates the pelvic area and the legs

In general, spine conditions in the cervical spine are considered most serious, while those in the lumbar spine are considered the least serious. Bulging discs may cause the following symptoms:

• Back or neck pain
• Pain in the limbs
• Tingling or numbness in the limbs
• Muscle weakness

Often, these symptoms can be treated using only conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy, even if the condition is in the cervical spine or there is a lot of pain. However, if symptoms are getting progressively worse or the symptoms are very severe, then surgery may be considered as the first option.

To learn more about bulging disc diagnosis and treatment, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (347)-380-9138 or email us at info@backsurgeryandpaincenter.com