Bulging Disc Cause

Share This Page »

What is a Bulging Disc

A bulging disc is a condition related to the spine, most often in the lumbar region (lower back) and occurs when a disc bulges through a crevice in the spine. Discs are soft, circular, gelatinous (jellylike) material that cushions the vertebrae of the spine. A bulging disc occurs when the disc shifts out of its normal radius. Age is often the main cause of a bulging disc. Injury may also be the cause of a bulging disc. The spine is supported by nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments. The ligaments of the cervical spine control movement of the head and/or neck and can result in injury to that area. Your muscles act as a balance in the neck and also provide stability. When a disc slips, no matter how minor, the neck is affected. There may be mild pain at the onset however this pain typically will progress to a more severe pain with the end result of difficulty in moving the neck.

A bulging disc is unlike a herniated disc. More often than not, bulging discs occur gradually over time. A herniated disc occurs suddenly and is usually due to injury or trauma to the spine. Most cases of a bulging disc do not experience pain unless the disc becomes herniated or protrudes into a nerve.

Cause of a Herniated or Bulging Disc

As a rule, a herniated or bulging disc affects the lumbar region (lower back), however a bulging disc may occur in the neck area. By and large, the pain radiates to the shoulders and arms and is indicative that a nerve in the neck may be pinched or pushed upon. In the lower back, pain may sometimes radiate to the legs.

When the discs lose some of their ability to act as cushions, it is most often due to loss of water content. This may lead to more stress and tears as the cycle repeats itself. When the disc loses water content, the disc collapses resulting in two vertebrae above and below the disc to move closer to one another. The result is a narrowing of the disc space between the two vertebrae.

The Do’s and Don’ts When Suffering from a Bulging Disc

Do’s:

Exercises to increase range of motion of the spine
Exercises to strengthen the spinal flexors
Exercises to gently strengthen the spinal extensors
Gentle stretches for the spinal extensors
Practice proper sitting and standing posture
Practice proper lifting techniques by reducing stress or strain on the lumbar spine

Don’ts:

It is recommended that exercises combining flexion and rotation or exerting a downward, twisting pressure on the spine are avoided
Refrain from any type of exercise that causes pain from the back to extremities of the body

Helpful Hints to Avoid Damaging a Disc at Work

Have an ergonomically designed workstation
Practice good posture to ensure joints are supported against the forces of gravity, ensuring muscles are under minimal tension
When sitting, it is important that hips are positioned slightly higher than the knees to take pressure off the lower back
Ensure the lumbar area is supported - stress on the lumbar discs can lead to bulging or slipped discs - a small pillow or ergonomic chair cushion will give support where needed
If possible, use a headset with your phone - the phone/neck cradle is the most common faulty posture and increases muscle tension throughout the neck - keep your head in a neutral position as often as possible
Do not twist your back to reach for something - position, wherever possible, equipment in front of you i.e. fax, keyboard, printer, telephone, stationary supplies, etc.
Use your feet to rotate your body if you sit in a chair that swivels
Do not sit for a prolonged period of time - stand up approximately every 30 minutes to get the blood flowing through your body
Stretch or take a short walk around the office to relieve tension and reduce stress

More Spinal Columns
| All Columns