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Bulging Disc
Bulging Disc ConditionThe annulus fibrosus is very strong and surrounds the softer, moister nucleus pulposus. This nucleus does not have much form on its own and has a tendency of morphing its shape to fit the container in which it is placed. Of course, its natural container is the annulus fibrosus, so when the outer disc wall develops a bulge, the nucleus will push into that space, filling it and applying additional pressure.Disc herniations are very individualized events, with the specific circumstances of each creating unique case profiles. In some instances, the outer disc wall might become damaged or weakened first, leading to a hollow space to form. This bulge or bubble is quickly filled by the nucleus material. In other cases, extreme force of the nucleus might cause the annulus fibrosus to buckle, creating the herniation due to direct internal force on the outer disc wall. Regardless, the term disc bulge describes a slight or significant bubble in the annulus, but not a condition in which the nucleus has actually ruptured out of the disc structure. Bulging Disc TerminologyMany doctors make a differentiation between a disc bulge and a disc herniation. In reality, there is absolutely no difference and the terms are used interchangeably by most care providers. For doctors who do make a distinction, a disc bulge is generally used to describe a less serious herniation, in which the integrity of the disc remains, enacting little or no effect on surrounding tissue. The term herniation is used to describe a more pronounced bulge, in which the disc integrity might be suspect and there may or may not be noticeable impingement on surrounding tissues.All these variations of terminology including bulging disc, herniated disc, ruptured disc, slipped disc, prolapsed disc, collapsed disc and disc protrusion create nothing but confusion for many diagnosed patients. If you have been diagnosed with any of these terms, make sure to understand the scope and prognosis offered by the doctor. Ask questions until you completely understand the condition which is being described to you. After all, there is nothing more perplexing than having 3 individual doctors each calling the disc condition by a different name and worse yet, describing 3 completely different symptomologies… This is unfortunately very common in the herniated disc industry… Bulging Disc AdviceIntervertebral discs might bulge during normal day to day activities. It is expected for discs to change shape and size according to moisture content and stressors placed upon the spine. However, these bulges are momentary and will not affect the structural strength of the disc. When you are diagnosed with a disc bulge, this means that the herniation exists, regardless of whether stress is being placed on the spine or not. In essence, the bulge remains even when the spine is relaxed and not bearing weight.If you have been diagnosed with a disc bulge, do not fear. This condition is so common that you are among the majority of the adult population in experiencing this typically non-problematic spinal alteration. Most bulges will not cause pain now or ever. Symptomatic bulges will usually resolve without any special medical attention. Only a tiny percentage of problematic discs will require drastic treatment or surgery. 6/27/08 Revised 12/2/09
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