What is a Bulging Disc

Bulging discs are one of the most common spine conditions. They tend to produce less severe symptoms than other spine conditions such as herniated discs and bone spurs, but they are certainly capable of producing significant amounts of pain and neurological symptoms. Like most routine spine conditions, a bulging disc is highly treatable.

Description & Symptoms

A bulging disc develops when a disc becomes flatter than it is normally, causing is to also become wider, like a hamburger too big for its bun. If the disc presses against the spinal cord or nerve roots, symptoms can occur. A disc can bulge for many reasons, including injury and age; it may develop slowly, or suddenly after a specific incident. Certain groups are at an elevated risk for developing bulging discs, including:
  • Pregnant women
  • Obese people
  • People with physically strenuous jobs
  • Older people
  • Athletes
All of these groups can take steps to reduce their risk level. For example, using proper form while lifting and exercising can reduce the risk. In addition, obese people can reduce their risk by losing as little as 10% of their body weight. Finally, regular physical activity that focuses on core-strengthening exercises is good for health in general, including the prevention of spine conditions. However, even with preventative measures, a bulging disc can happen to anyone, even if they don't have any of the above risk factors.

A bulging disc can interrupt the sensory communication between your brain and the rest of your body. The result is pain in the back, or pain and other symptoms in the areas that are innervated by that part of the spine. Bulging discs cause chronic pain, meaning that the pain doesn't ease up over time, and may in fact worsen. The symptoms are similar to those of many other spine conditions, so it takes diagnostic testing to identify the exact cause.

To learn more about treatment for your spine pain, please click below or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646)374-1799.

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