What is a Bulging Disc?

What is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of an intervertebral disc weakens, allowing the inner gel-like nucleus to push outward. Unlike a herniated disc, the outer layer remains intact but creates a protrusion that may compress nearby nerves.

The most common causes for a bulging disc include age-related degeneration, repetitive stress from poor posture or lifting techniques, obesity, genetics, occupations requiring prolonged sitting or heavy lifting, and natural disc dehydration.

Symptoms needing treatment for a bulging disc include localized or radiating pain, numbness or tingling in extremities, muscle weakness, limited range of motion, and pain that worsens with certain movements or positions depending on location.

The diagnosis process involved in a bulging disc includes medical history review, physical examination with neurological tests, imaging studies, and sometimes electromyography to assess nerve function, correlating all findings to confirm diagnosis.

Conservative treatment options in a bulging disc include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, weight management, posture correction, ergonomic modifications, and targeted exercises to strengthen supporting core muscles.

Interventional treatment options for a bulging disc include epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma or orthobiologic treatments, and minimally invasive procedures.

The goal of treatment of a bulging disc is to reduce pain, improve function, prevent progression, and restore quality of life by helping your body heal naturally when possible, minimizing nerve compression, and teaching strategies to prevent recurrence.

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