A herniated disc has a tear or hole in the disc where the jelly-like fluid is leaking out, whereas a bulging disc is pushed outward between the vertebrae and has a saggy appearance.
Learn about the differences between a herniated disc and bulging disc and the treatment for each in this article.
Disc Bulge Symptoms and Treatment:
Between each of your vertebrae are discs that cushion the bones. Within the discs is a fluid similar to jelly. Inside your spinal column is the spinal cord which is the nerves within your spine telling your brain if your spine hurts.
As we age, some people experience degeneration in these discs. The discs wear out, and as such, they start to lose their ability to hold the vertebrae apart. The discs begin to bulge out. The onset of pain usually takes some time as this is a factor of slow degeneration. It can also effect several discs.
If you have bulging discs, you may experience pain in the legs, back and butt, and you may even find it getting difficult to walk. You may also experience amplified pain, or flare-ups, during certain times. In this instance, anti-inflammatory medicine may help. Steroid injections are another option to relieve the pain. In extreme circumstances, a person may develop lumbar stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spine. The treatment for this may require surgery.
Disc Herniation Symptoms and Treatment:
Disc herniation pain comes on fast – Due to the result of an injury, awkward movement like twisting the body, etc. It also usually just effects one nerve and may cause damage to that nerve. If the nerve is not damaged, then anti-inflammatory medicines or steroid injections may help bring pain relief until it heals. However, surgery may be required if the nerve is damaged.
In either case, if you are experiencing pain in your back or legs, please give us a call so we can help determine the cause so you can find relief quickly.
