Disk Bulging and Herniation
Disk Bulging
A bulging disc or slipped disc is a common spinal column injury in the intervertebral disc due to neck/ back trauma or age related injury. It can occur in your lumbar spine (lower back), thoracic spine (upper and mid-back) or your cervical spine (neck). The intervertebral disc is weakened so much that it protrudes into the spinal canal.
Disk Herniation
A disk herniation occurs when the soft center of a spinal disk pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing of the spinal cushion. Herniations can be caused by aging, overexertion, or intense pressure on a vertebra. A herniated disk can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
Symptoms
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning sensations
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle spasms
- Overactive reflexes in the arms and legs
- Swelling or significant muscle tension around a vertebra
Treatment Options
Most herniated discs don’t require surgery. They typically can be managed with a combination of oral medications and/or steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation; physical therapy to reduce stiffness and pressure on the nerves in the spine; hot or cold packs for pain relief; manual manipulation, such as massage or chiropractic care.
Some people with herniated discs may eventually require surgery if the above treatments don’t help. Our trained doctors in orthopedics, physical medicine and emergency medicine will help you to evaluate needs for surgical intervention.