Bulging Disc Specifics

A bulging disc in the spine can happen in between any of the articulating vertebral segments that compose the spine. However, bulging discs are most commonly experienced in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. Bulging discs may be present and detectable on an MRI or CT scan, but can actually be asymptomatic. It may sound strange, but unless a bulging disc irritates the spinal cord or a nearby nerve root, the condition may not produce any symptoms. However, when the spinal cord is irritated, symptoms of pain and stiffness may be felt at the site. And, when a nearby nerve root is affected by the disc bulge, symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, a sensation of heat, and muscle spasms may be felt at any point along the path where the nerve root divides into other nerves in the body.

Bulging Discs vs. Herniated Discs

Though the terms "bulging disc" and "herniated disc" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are, in fact, slightly different conditions according to some medical professionals. Both conditions involve degeneration in the discs that separate articulating vertebrae in our spine, but there can be one key difference between the two. When a bulging disc is present, a wide portion of the disc has simply expanded outward, or bulged past the normal boundaries set for it by the vertebrae above and below the disc. A herniated disc, however, means that the disc's outer wall has actually ruptured and torn open in one narrow location, which may allow inner disc fluid to seep out.

How Are Bulging Discs Treated?

The treatment of bulging discs has two key goals. One goal is strictly symptom-oriented, and seeks to reduce the severity of the pain and other side effects themselves. The other goal seeks to address the bulging disc and help to return the disc to better health. Hot and cold packs and medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to minimize the degree to which the bulging disc symptoms are felt. And the actual healing of the disc may be aided by weight loss, physical therapy, light exercises, stretching, and bed rest, but the degree to which a disc can return to its normal position in the spine is up for debate within the medical community. Upon receiving a diagnosis from your doctor, you will likely receive a treatment plan that helps to reduce the pain and other symptoms in the short run and, if it seems possible, give your bulging disc time to shrink to its normal size in the long run.