What is a Lumbar Bulging Disc?
A lumbar bulging disc is a common spinal condition that can lead to lower back pain and other symptoms. Because the lumbar spine is particularly flexible and supports much of the body’s weight, it is particularly prone to deterioration. One condition that results from this deterioration is bulging disc. This occurs when the outer walls of an intervertebral disc weakens and thins—leading to protrusion into the spinal column and sometimes nerve compression. It is this nerve compression that results in a patient’s pain.
In a regularly functioning spine, the intervertebral discs are soft and spongy, acting as shock absorbers for the vertebrae. They bear the brunt of the stress placed on the spine and keep the bones from rubbing up against one another, giving the back flexibility. However, these discs can be damaged, especially in the lower back, making a lumbar bulging disc a very common source of low back pain. In some cases a bulging disc may not cause symptoms. However, if the walls of the disc irritate, impinge or pinch a neighboring nerve, pain can occur.
Some common symptoms of bulging disc include:
- Sciatica, or pain radiating along the sciatic nerve
- Local, chronic lower back pain
- Unexpected weakness in the lower body
- Numbness and tingling in the legs, feet and toes
- Incontinence or bladder failure in extreme cases
- And more
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms and non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy or pain relievers haven’t eased your pain, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) to learn about other treatment options. We perform minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgeries to treat a variety of conditions, including lumbar bulging disc. Schedule a consultation today to learn about your options and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.



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