What is a Bulging Disc
Bulging disc pain occurs when a disc in the spine protrudes into any of the tiny spaces in the spinal column where the nerve roots and the spinal cord are located. When this happens, the nerves in those areas can become squeezed or pinched.
Nerve compression caused by a bulging disc can be debilitating, often limiting you from enjoying your hobbies and sometimes even preventing you from enjoying your daily activities. Understanding the symptoms associated with bulging disc pain and what causes these symptoms to develop can help you make an informed decision about the treatment options you would like to pursue. Always consult your doctor before beginning or changing any treatments for this condition
Bulging Disc Symptoms
A bulging disc causes a series of symptoms when it compresses a nerve root. The most common symptom is pain, but many other symptoms can develop in conjunction with or in place of standard discomfort in the neck or back.
Additional symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Muscle weakness
- Limited mobility
- Burning sensation
Bulging Disc Causes
When a nerve is pinched, the pain and symptoms can appear at the site of the pinched nerve and can travel along the nerve pathway into other areas of the body. For example, a bulging disc causes symptoms to travel to the buttocks, legs, and feet. It also causes symptoms to manifest in the head, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Pain and symptoms associated with a bulging disc can become worse when you move around. Any of the following activities can trigger symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Standing
- Bending
- Driving
This condition is mainly caused by age or damage from a sudden injury. For more detailed information on why discs bulge and cause pain, feel free to contact us.
Your Treatment Options
Bulging disc pain can often be treated through conservative methods, such as pain medication and at-home exercises, as well as other conservative options. Your doctor will recommend a course of treatments based on your pain and the severity of your bulging disc.
If the conservative treatments do not provide relief after several months, contact BEST Health System and ask about our minimally invasive spine surgery to help relieve the discomfort of this condition and other spine conditions.
BEST Health System Can Help
BEST Health System specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery that is a safer and more effective alternative to traditional open back procedures and offers many benefits, including less risk of infection and no lengthy recovery. For more information on how BEST can help you find relief from chronic neck and back pain, contact us today.
