Bulging Disc - A Glimpse into Disc Herniation

By Marceline Whittet


At times referred to as bulging disc, spinal disc herniation is a medical condition related to the spinal discs, wherein the soft jelly-like center known as the nucleus pulposus bulges or leaks out of a disc through the torn outer covering referred to as the annulus fibrosus. The fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae are often where a herniated disc happens, given that most of the body's weight is carried here. This particular area of the spine degrades more easily than others because whether you stand, sit or move about throughout the day, twisting, bending, and flexing, this area will carry all the impact.

The human vertebra is the bony building blocks that make up the spine. All the parts in the spine connect together by way of the soft tissues called ligaments. The spine is essentially categorized into three vertebral areas, the cervical vertebrae, which is in the neck and comprises of seven vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae, which is in the mid-back and comprises of twelve vertebrae, and the lumbar vertebrae, which is in the lower back and is made up of five large vertebrae. The spine runs down to the "butt-cheeks" with the sacrum and coccyx.

While protecting the spinal cord from damage, the spine works as a movable support structure to keep the body erect. Each vertebra has spines that safeguard the nerve tissues of the spinal cord and the front part of each vertebra has a solid bony body that enables it to carry the weight of the body. In between each vertebra are discs that decrease rubbing and impact as the body moves all through the entire day. Just like donuts in looks, the inner component of the disc, known as nucleus pulposus, is very soft and in case of a herniated disc, this soft part can bulge out of the outer covering, triggering localized pain in the damaged area.

So, why does herniated disc in back develop? A herniated disc can develop on account of a number of reasons, though the most prevalent one is with age. Bones in our body become brittle as we age and any sudden and high-impact movement can cause fractures, cracks, and ruptures. As a result of slipping, falling, or any unexpected and strong impact on the body, the vertebrae has a tendency to compress on one another triggering the outer covering of the disk to break and the soft insides of the disc to bulge out. Another typical reason for a herniated disc is degenerative disc disease, which can also result in back pain, specifically lower back pain. Supporting a large amount of weight can also induce disc herniation, like in the case of weight-lifting, obesity, or pregnancy.

Symptoms of herniated disc aren't similar with all instances and it depends on where specifically the bulging disc happens. A disc herniation may not lead to any symptoms, particularly when the severity of the herniation is not as considerable and when there are no indications of nerve compressions. Usual herniated disc symptoms may consist of a shooting pain on one side of the body when nerve impingements are found. The pain may at times be associated with weakness and a tingling feeling on the affected area, which gets worse when standing and diminishes when lying down. In extreme instances, Caude Equina Syndrome may even manifest with disc herniation. This can result in extreme pain and weakness on both lower extremities, loss of bowel and bladder control, and even lower body paralysis.




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