The bulge of the disc, also known as disc swelling, involves moving the gelatinous disc between the vertebrae and spinal cord, causing pressure on the nerves and causing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and difficulty moving. This intervertebral disc is designed to cushion the impact between the vertebrae and facilitate slippage between them, allowing you to perform movements with ease.
Treatment usually includes exercise, physical therapy or pain relievers and, in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
- This problem.
- When not treated properly.
- Can lead to a more severe herniated disk.
- In which internal cartilage can protrud from the disc.
- Know all types of herniated disks and the most common symptoms.
The most common symptoms caused by the lump of the vertebral disc are:
These symptoms may gradually worsen and, as a result, some people may take a while to reach the hospital. However, any change in sensitivity or strength in one of the limbs, whether arms or legs, should always be evaluated by a doctor, as this may indicate a problem in the nerves in the area.
Generally, disc protrusion is caused by wear of the outside of the disc, which occurs with age, but can also occur in younger people, with certain movements, such as lifting heavy objects, for example.
In addition, overweight, weakened or sedentary muscles are also at increased risk of this problem.
Your doctor usually performs a physical exam to identify where your pain is and may use other diagnostic methods, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, for example.
Treatment depends on the severity of the disc lump, the region where it occurs, and the discomfort it causes, which can be done with exercise, physiotherapy or taking pain relievers.
If treatment isn’t enough to relieve discomfort, your doctor may recommend more powerful medications, such as muscle relaxants to relieve muscle and opioid tension, gabapentin or duloxetine, to relieve pain.
Your doctor may also recommend surgery if symptoms don’t improve or if the bulging disc compromises muscle function. In most cases, surgery involves removing the damaged part of the disc, and in the most severe cases, the disc may be replaced with a prosthesis or your doctor may choose to fuse the two vertebrae between which the bulge of the disc is.
Watch the video below and find out how you can prevent or improve a herniated disk: