What you should know
A bulging disk may not cause any pain or discomfort but over a period of time, the affected disk can become herniated. When that happens, the nucleus of the affected disk slips past its protective shell resulting in pain. A bulging disk can also cause pressure on the surrounding nerves. This often causes a serious ache in the surrounding area. The pain associated with this condition is chronic and quite severe.
What are the symptoms of a bulging disk?
The following are a few symptoms of a bulging disk
- A tingling feeling in the shoulders or the arms which spreads towards the fingers. This indicates that there is a bulging disk somewhere in the cervical area.
- Any discomfort while walking is an indication as well. However, loss of motor skills is a serious condition and should be attended immediately to because it can be a life threatening situation.
- Upper back pain radiating towards the stomach and the chest.
- Muscle spasms in the lower back are an indication of a bulging disk in the lumbar area. 90 % of herniated disc happen in the lumbar region.
Causes of bulging disks
A bulging disk could occur because of any of the following
- A degenerative disease is the number one cause of a herniated disc. As we age, our spinal area starts losing its stability
- The natural ageing process which leads to the wear and tear of the spinal region
- As a result of a long term injury or trauma
- Inability to maintain a good posture. Sitting improperly and putting too much pressure on the lumbar region.
- Being overweight causes extra pressure on the lower back. Also a sedentary lifestyle weakens the muscles over a period of time.
Treatment for bulging disk
There are quite a few non-invasive methods of treating a bulging disk. These include all of the following
- Mapping techniques which pinpoint the exact location of the pain
- Massage therapy
- Over the counter medication
- Physical therapy
- Heating pads and applications of ice packs to the affected area
- Certain lifestyle changes which result in weight loss to ease the pressure of the lumbar region
Sometime, a bulging disc might be found on the verge of a herniation. In such cases it become necessary to perform certain less invasive treatment. Other less invasive treatment methods include using advanced technology and state of the art procedures which require a minimum amount of surgery. Surgeons are usually highly skilled and can perform small operations in a short time. The recovery time for these surgeries is also very less. Patients can easily report back to work as soon as the resting period is over. Doctors advise light to moderate activity in the weeks following the procedure. You may also be advised to perform some low impact activities like aerobic swimming and simple yoga. All these help to strengthen the back and prevent any instances of bulging discs to recur.
Using the right preventive measures is beneficial in the long run. For more information on bulging disc therapy, make sure you contact a specialist.