When the spongy center of a disk in the spine pushes out through a tear in the outer, rubbery portion of the disk, it is called a bulging or herniated disk. It can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots, causing pain and mobility issues.
Bulging disks are usually caused by age-related degeneration, and symptoms appear gradually. They are also known as herniated, ruptured, or protruding disks.
Doctors may recommend treatment for bulging disks in the back that ranges from short-term to long-term options with the goal of decompressing the spinal canal and relieving pain.
The causes and symptoms of a bulging disk are discussed in this article. It also looks at possible treatments and exercises for pain relief.
What is a bulging disc?
When the inner, jelly-like portion of the disks between the bones in the spine bulges out through a tear in the outer (annulus) portion of the disk, this is referred to as a bulging disk.
The spine is made up of a series of interlocking bones known as vertebrae. A spinal disk is soft tissue that exists between each vertebra.
The disks support the spine, allow movement between the vertebrae, and keep bones from rubbing against each other. They also serve as shock absorbers during movement, preventing damage.
Each disk has a tough outer layer and gel in the center. With age, this gel may lose its flexibility and become rigid.
With age, the amount of gel can also decrease, become compressed, and push out. When a disk bulges, it may compress or come into contact with a nerve, causing pain.
The majority of bulging disks occur at the lumbar spine’s base. When the outer layer of the disk breaks down and ruptures, a gel-like center is pushed out through a tear in the exterior wall of the disk.
Herniated Disc Symptoms
The severity and location of a bulging disk in the spine determine the symptoms.
Some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, as the disk degeneration and herniation progress, the following symptoms may occur:
- Back pain that gets worse with movement, such as sneezing
- muscle spasms in the back
- Leg and foot weakness and numbness
- legs, knees, and ankles have less mobility
- decreased bowel and bladder control
- walking difficulty
- sciatica
- decreased coordination
Pain can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the arms or rib cage.
If a person loses bowel or bladder control, they should seek immediate medical attention. When a group of lumbar and sacral nerve roots become compressed, this can occur. This is referred to as cauda equina syndrome, and it is a medical emergency.
Bulging Disc Treatment
The severity and location of a bulging disk will determine the treatment.
Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed by doctors to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Steroid injections may be a suitable short-term solution for people suffering from severe pain.
Bed rest may be required if the disk ruptures. If the condition is severe, a doctor may recommend surgery to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Bulging disc injury settlements with steroid injections can also be done in order to help the person overcome the injury. The steroids used for the injection will help to heal the injuries and reduce pain. There are several steroids for the job including methylprednisolone, cortisone and triamcinolone.
Home care
Mild pain caused by a bulging disk may be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Exercises and physical therapy may help a person strengthen the muscles surrounding the disk and improve mobility.
Depending on the position of the bulging disk, a doctor or physical therapist can help a person determine safe exercises. They might recommend gentle physical activities like yoga or walking.
Stretches for the back, neck, and legs are another option for pain relief that people can try at home. To relieve pressure on the vertebrae, a person may also need to achieve or maintain a healthy body weight.
Additionally, using protective equipment to support the spine may alleviate symptoms of a bulging disk. For example, a person could make certain that their desk chair provides adequate lumbar support.
Exercises
Some exercises may help alleviate the symptoms of a bulging disk in the back, but people should first consult with a doctor or physical therapist. Exercising incorrectly may aggravate any symptoms.
If any exercise worsens the symptoms, the person should stop.
The following are some exercises that may help with a lower back disk bulge:
Spinal decompression
- Locate a parallel bar that is just slightly higher than the person.
- Grab the bar and allow your body to “hang” for 30 seconds.
- Rep three times more.
Cobra stretch
- Lie face down on the floor, hands on the ground and just above shoulder level.
- Raise the upper body while keeping the hips on the floor and supporting it with the elbows.
- Hold for 10-15 seconds before lowering the upper body to the floor.
- Build up to 30 seconds gradually and repeat ten times.
Cat-Cow stretch
- Begin on your hands and knees, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your knees directly beneath your hips.
- Draw the chest forward and the shoulder blades down the back body while slowly inhaling. Maintain a long neck and a low belly hug.
- Slowly exhale, pressing the floor away, rounding the upper back, and gently releasing the head and neck.
- Repeat ten times more.
Forearm plank
- Begin by lying face down on a mat with your forearms on the mat.
- Lift the body with your core strength until you are resting on your forearms and toes.
- Hold the position for 20-30 seconds.
- Slowly let go.
- Repeat 5–10 times.
Knee hugs
- Lie on your back, knees bent, and feet on the floor.
- With both hands, grab one knee and pull it toward the chest.
- Hold, slowly release, and repeat with the other leg.
- Rep five times more.
Back stretch
- Lie on your back with your sacrum on the floor and both knees toward your chest.
- Move your head forward until you feel a stretch across your lower back, but don’t strain.
- Rep five times more.
