When we think about back problems, the first thing that comes to mind is usually pain. Pain is undoubtedly a symptom, but it is not the only one. Numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and general discomfort have all been known to be bulging disc symptoms. Sure, a little numbness here and there or the occasional tingling might not be terrible, but the pain can be debilitating at times. And, as time goes on, the condition could worsen, and that little numbness and tingling here and there could develop into constant numbness and tingling that prohibits a person’s ability to do simple tasks like walk or button a shirt.

Where Are Bulging Disc Symptoms Felt Most Commonly?

When an intervertebral disc bulges, it extends outward past its normal boundaries. Sometimes a disc will bulge outward, but not press up against anything in the spinal column, in which little or no pain would likely be caused. Other times, a disc may bulge in such a manner that it is pressing against and irritating the spinal cord or a nerve root. In fact, bulging disc symptoms will most commonly be felt locally at the site where the disc is pressing on or irritating a nerve. The lumbar (lower back) region of the spine is the most common part of the spine where discs bulge, and the cervical (neck) region of the spine is second most common area to see bulging discs.

Chest Pain, Arm Pain and Sciatica

Bulging disc symptoms aren’t like most symptoms. If you have arthritis in your fingers, then you will probably experience symptoms of pain in your fingers. Similarly, if you have a broken leg you will probably experience constant pain at the site of the break and increased pain when you place pressure on that leg. Bulging disc symptoms, on the other hand, can be felt in many places. The reason for this lies in the peripheral nervous system. Unlike the central nervous system which consists of the brain and spinal column, the peripheral nervous system is comprised of nerves that take root at the spinal cord and extend to virtually almost everywhere in the body. The cervical (upper) spine gives way to nerve roots that travel into the chest, shoulders, arms, hands and fingers. A bulging disc pressing on and irritating any of the nerve roots in the neck can send signals of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms along the path of the respective nerves. Likewise, the lumbar (lower) spine is home to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, which provides sensory and motor signals for virtually the entire lower body. Similarly to the neck, a bulging disc irritating the sciatic nerve can send the same symptoms into the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet. The symptoms experienced in the lower body as a result of sciatic nerve irritation are collectively known as sciatica.

Bulging Disc Symptoms and You

If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms of pain in your neck or back, or are experiencing symptoms of pain, tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms in your extremities, see your doctor soon. A bulging disc will very rarely be a life-threatening condition, but it is still important to visit your doctor if you are experiencing any of those symptoms so that he or she can possibly prevent your condition from getting worse. Your doctor will be able to tell you if the symptoms you happen to be experiencing are due to a bulging disc or another spinal condition. After diagnosis, your doctor will more than likely recommend several different nonsurgical methods you can try out to treat your bulging disc symptoms.

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