A bulging disc in the neck or back is one of the most common spinal abnormalities that people experience. Bulging discs occur when a section of one of the small discs between the stacked bones in the spine (called vertebrae) has extended beyond its normal boundary. Approximately 90 percent of bulging disc cases occur in the in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. The second most common area where a disc will bulge is in the cervical (neck) region of the spine. Bulging discs are mostly associated with causing back pain, but they can also cause symptoms of stiffness, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms to be felt in the extremities.

Understanding How and Why a Bulging Disc Bulges

The spine is a very important structure in the body, as it provides support for the upper body as well as a home for the central nervous system. Small, stacked bones called vertebrae provide skeletal support for the upper body. Between each vertebra in the cervical (upper), thoracic (middle), and lumbar (lower) regions of the spine, there is a small disc that acts as a cushion for the bones, prevents vertebrae from rubbing against one another, and absorbs some of the stress caused by the weight that of the body places on the spine. The discs are composed of an outer wall called the annulus fibrosus and the inner core called the nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus is a thicker, cartilage-like membrane which surrounds the inner, jelly-like nucleus pulposus. As we get older, the natural aging process slowly takes a toll on our bodies and the discs begin to degenerate. The once flexible, spongy discs become a stiffer, inflexible, weak, and fibrous material. It is those same weakened discs that must absorb the stress from the weight of the body, allow the spine to move forward, backward, and side to side smoothly, and prevent vertebrae from touching each other. Because of this, a section of a disc may become increasingly weakened and ultimately bulge beyond its normal boundaries.

How Do You Know If You Have a Bulging Disc?

You might have a bulging disc and not even know it. How could this be? Well, when you feel symptoms from a bulging disc, it is because the disc has extended beyond its normal boundaries and has pressed against the spinal cord or a nerve root. However, a bulging disc does not always press upon the spinal cord or a nerve root. Oftentimes, a section of a disc can extend beyond the boundaries set forth by the vertebrae above and below it, but not touch anything else in the spinal anatomy. When this occurs, no symptoms will typically be felt because, unless impinged by a separate condition, the spinal cord and nerve roots are left untouched. Also, you may experience symptoms of a bulging disc, but may not know or understand where the symptoms stem from. If you have been experiencing pain or stiffness along your spine or unexplained symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or muscle spasms elsewhere in your body, a bulging disc might be to blame. The only way to tell for sure if a disc bulge is causing your symptoms is by visiting your doctor to receive a diagnosis.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for bulging discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for bulging discs and other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/bulging_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for bulging discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Bulging disc