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Alexander Taghva, MD

949-388-7190

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  • Home
  • Services
    • Neurosurgical Conditions
      • Treatment Options for Neurosurgical Conditions
    • Neurosurgical Procedures
      • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
      • Cervical Disc Replacement
      • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
      • Microdiscectomy
      • Minimally Invasive Laminotomy
      • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
      • Revision Spine Surgery
      • Spinal Cord Stimulation
      • Spine Surgery
  • Meet Dr. Taghva
  • Reviews
  • For Patients
    • Education
    • Forms
    • Blog
  • Office Location

Bulging Discs: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

November 1, 2017 by Dr. Taghva

Bulging Discs

More than 1.5 billion people live with chronic pain, and for many of these individuals, this pain is located on their spinal cord. Sometimes this pain is due to arthritis, age, misalignment, and postural issues. But often, this is due to a more serious condition.

Bulging discs is one of these conditions. When a spinal disc moves out of place, the inner nucleus swells. This can put pressure on the nerves of the spine and cause significant back pain. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of bulged discs, you can recognize your condition and see a spinal health professional.

What causes this condition?
A disc generally moves out of place because of pressure on the spinal cord. While degenerative disk disease and other age-related issues can cause this pressure, it may also result from injury, strain, or even a family history is spinal disorders. If left untreated, this condition can cause a herniated disc. 

What are the symptoms of a bulging disc?
The bulge on its own may not cause pain, but if the disc herniates or pushes on a nerve, this is when a patient experiences pain. Other symptoms can include:

  • Numbness
  • Tingling in the spine and limbs
  • Weakness of the arms, legs, or neck
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle spasms

It’s important to remember that every spinal column is different, so be sure to see a spinal specialist if you experience any of these symptoms or any other unusual back symptoms.

What are my treatment options?
Depending on your age, the cause of your condition, and its severity, your spinal specialist will craft a treatment for you. In some cases, spine surgery may be necessary to correct the disk. However, there are some non-invasive treatments that can be effective for many patients. These include physical therapy, medication, injections, massage, heat treatments, and any combination of these. 

Remember: If you are showing symptoms of a bulging disc, it’s important to see a doctor rather than relying on self-diagnosis. By consulting a back specialist, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and take a treatment course that fits your needs. By doing so, you can reduce your pain and go back to living a vibrant, healthy life.

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  • In September 2018, my ENT doctor sent me to see Dr. Taghva; as a result of the MRI taken after my ears were tested for possible hearing loss. It turned out that I had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball that needed to be removed; which most likely was the cause of some hearing loss. Both…

    • 5 stars
    • Jeannette P.
  • I recently had major surgery on my cervical spine. Work was done from C3 to T1. I was suffering from severe stenosis and losing the ability to use my left arm and hand.

    Dr. Taghva performed the surgery and was assisted by his nurse practitioner Vanessa Stroessner. It’s been a few months…

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  • I had a trial stimulator put in two weeks ago since I have scoliosis and spinal stenosis and helped with my pain 100%. Yesterday he inserted permanent stimulator inside me. I am so happy and love Dr Tagvha. I highly recommend him and has a wonderful bedside manner. Best neurosurgeon. Dr.…

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    • Christina C.
  • Dr. Taghva is my hero. I had a herniated disc and spinal stenosis with pressure on the upper spine area. After 3 hours of surgery I was up and walking pain free right away. My recovery in just 2-3 weeks had me walking without any walker or back brace and I am feeling terrific.

    Thank you…

    • 5 stars
    • Real patient
  • 5 years ago I was sent to Dr. Taghva by my pain management specialist. He had very thorough tests done. He told me that it was his opinion that I had RSD aka CRPS. After much discussion with my pain specialist, I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted. I loved the relief it gave me.

    A few…

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