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.
Signs You May Have A Bulging Disc
People all over the world struggle with pain on a daily basis. While there are many areas that can experience problems, the back is an extremely common place for complaints. Think about how many people you know that have mentioned back pain at one point or another. You might even be one of them. For some people, a bulging disc may be the major cause, but it is something that can be fixed.
In about one of every 10 cases, a person can not experience true relief from pain and functional issues without surgery. Fortunately, there are many options that you can take, including discussing things with an expert brain surgeon. But, how do you know if you are really suffering from a bulging disc, a herniated disc, or other spine disorders? The Mayo Clinic weighed in on some warning signs to keep in mind.
Signs of A Bulging or Herniated Disc
- Pain – The chest, arms, and legs are common painful spots when suffering from a bulging or herniated disc. If the problem is located in your low back, you are more likely to experience pain in the thigh, buttocks and calves, as opposed to neck issues, which cause pain in the arm and shoulder areas.
- Numbness – There are many issues that can cause the feeling of numbness and tingling, and a disc problem is on that list. You are likely to experience these sensations around the problem area as well as muscle spasms.
- Weakness of the arms, legs, or neck – A bulging or herniated disc may cause nearby muscles to weaken. So, if you experience stumbling, or are struggling to carry items, you may be suffering from a bulging or herniated disc.
When people think about a brain surgeon, they generally think of extreme procedures. However, advancements in technology has enabled minimally invasive spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, and a myriad of other options to take place in a simple, safe manner. The bottom line is that life is far too short to endure constant pain due to a bulging or herniated disc. If you are currently experiencing back pain, neck pain or other neurological conditions, it is time to talk to a brain surgeon about measures you can take.
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.