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Discs are soft, gelatinous material that cushion the vertebrae of the spine. Discs act as shock absorbers and are located between each pair of vertebrae.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is described as the condition in which a damaged vertebral disc causes chronic pain in the cervical spine (neck) or lumbar spine (lower back) areas. Damaged discs may be either ruptured, herniated or bulging.
Damaged discs may be as a result of aging or through injury. The disc may tear causing the inner and/or outer portions of the disc to expose and irritate nerves next to the outer edge of the annulus. Discs have no blood supply and few nerve endings, therefore the disc is not able to repair itself. The pain is typically long term and often becomes a chronic condition. In some cases, the pain is periodic flare ups.
What is a bulging disc?
In most cases, bulging discs occur in the lumbar region (lower back). When the disc bulges through a crevice in the spine, it is as a result of shifting out of its normal radius and as stated above, is most often due to age as it most often occurs gradually over time. The spine is supported by nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Ligaments in the cervical spine (neck) control movement of the head and/or neck and are susceptible to injury. Muscles balance the neck as well as support stability. When a disc slips, no matter how slight, the neck is affected. Initially, the pain may be mild, but then will become severe resulting in difficulty moving the neck.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is different than a bulging disc. A herniated disk is often the result of an injury or trauma to the spine. When the nucleus of the disc protrudes into the tears in the annulus and surrounds the spinal cord or nerve roots, the disc is said to be a herniated disc.
Causes of a Bulging Disc in Neck
Though usually a condition affecting the lumbar region (lower back), occasionally, a bulging disc may occur in the neck area. Usually, pain that radiates to the shoulders and arms indicates that a nerve in the neck may be pinched or pushed upon. In the lower back, pain may radiate to the legs.
When the discs lose some of their ability to act as cushions, most often it is due to loss of water content. This may lead to more stress and tears as the cycle repeats itself. As it loses water content, the disc collapses allowing the two vertebrae above and below to move closer to one another resulting in a narrowing of the disc space between the two vertebrae.
Recovery from a Bulging Disc in Neck
Complete rest and minimal movement is a key aspect in recovery. Some over the counter medications may be taken to help with the pain and swelling and some may find relief with physiotherapy. In most cases, at home exercises may be recommended. It may also be helpful to apply alternating heat and cold to the affected area(s).
It is important to get as much bed rest as possible. A firm mattress and firm pillows should be used to keep the back as straight as possible. Legs should be elevated by placing a small or medium size pillow under the knees.
Is Surgery an Option for Treatment?
Before making any decisions on whether surgery is an option you would want to explore, it is important to discuss all treatment options with your doctor. Tests will be performed and your history and current symptoms and level of pain, frequency of pain as well as your normal day to day activities will be reviewed.
Traditional surgery involves complications and risks and is often performed as a last resort because of this.
There are now minimally invasive surgeries that have little to no risk with a number of benefits, including no hospital stay, no use of general anesthesia, quick recovery and return to normal activity. Most often, patients are encouraged to walk just hours after their surgery.