A bulging disc is a common condition that occurs when the soft discs that cushion the vertebrae in the spine become constricted. A bulging disc can be a painful condition, but the doctors at DFW Laser Spine Institute can help. Our Dallas/Ft. Worth spine specialists offer diagnostic services and advanced treatment options for bulging disc and other spinal conditions.
The discs of the spine are made of a hard outer shell with soft cartilage in the middle. They serve as shock absorbers for the vertebrae, which are the bones that form the spinal column. A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of cartilage protrudes beyond its natural circumference. This may occur due to degeneration of the disc as a result of aging. A bulging disc can occur in the cervical spine (neck/upper back), thoracic spine (mid back) or lumbar spine (lower back).
A bulging disc may not have any symptoms initially and symptoms may vary depending on how severely the disc is bulging and where on the spine the bulging disc is located. Common symptoms include:
The complexity of the spinal cord means that there are many possible spinal conditions and it can sometimes be difficult to understand the difference between them. Bulging discs and herniated discs are sometimes referred to interchangeably, but they are two different conditions. A herniation of a disc occurs when there is a crack in the tough outer layer of the disc, while a bulging disc is a more even compression of the disc.1 Other common names used for these conditions include slipped disc or ruptured disc. The doctors at DFW Laser Spine Institute have the expertise and diagnostic tools to give you an accurate diagnosis for your back pain symptoms.
A bulging disc can happen to anyone and the exact cause is not always clear. Common causes or risk factors that may contribute to a bulging disc include:
If you have a bulging disc, you may find some pain relief with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or lifestyle changes such as physical therapy, avoiding sitting for long periods, and good posture.
If you suffer low back pain, neck pain, or other severe pain that is not responding to conservative treatment, it may be time to see a specialist at DFW Laser Spine Institute. Possible treatments for bulging disc include:
The pain management and spine specialists at DFW Laser Spine Institute are dedicated to helping people live more active lives free from pain. We offer a range of minimally invasive and highly advanced treatment options. Contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
1 Mayo Clinic. Bulging disk vs. herniated disk: What’s the difference? Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/expert-answers/bulging-disk/faq-20058428 Accessed July 21, 2021
The Doctors at DFW Laser Spine Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
