5 Signs You May Have a Bulging Disc

If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to get checked out by Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center. Many times, back pain is caused by a bulging disc. A bulging disc is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae become weak and start to protrude. This can cause pain and numbness in the back, as well as other symptoms. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 signs that you may have a bulging disc.

What is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc, also known as a herniated disc, is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae become weak and start to protrude. This can cause pain and numbness in the back, as well as other symptoms.

Causes of a Bulging Disc

There are many things that can cause a bulging disc, such as:

• Aging: As we age, the discs in our spine begin to degenerate and become weaker. This can cause them to bulge or herniation.
• Injury: An injury to the back can cause the discs to bulge or herniation.
• Lifting: Lifting heavy objects can put pressure on the discs and cause them to bulge.
• Bad posture: Poor posture puts unnecessary stress on the spine and can cause the discs to bulge.

Are You at Risk?

Certain things can increase your risk of developing a bulging disc, such as:

• Sudden trauma to the spine, such as a car accident
• Overwhelming strain due to heavy lifting
• A simple sneeze that puts unexpected force on the spine
• Repetitive activities and actions that involve the back or neck
• Wear and tear that comes with age
• Sitting for too long with poor posture
• Growing older, due to the natural degeneration of the discs
• Jobs that involve sitting for long periods of time or heavy lifting
• Staying sedentary and allowing your back muscles to lose strength
• Gaining excess weight, which strains the spine further
• Being male
• Smoking cigarettes
• Eating a poor diet that doesn’t provide the nutrients required for joint and disc health

5 Signs You May Have a Bulging Disc

1. Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. Many times, back pain is caused by a bulging disc. This leads to back pain because it puts pressure on the nerves in the spine.

2. Numbness or Tingling

If you are experiencing numbness or tingling in your back, it could be a sign of a bulging disc. This can compress the nerves in the spine and cause numbness or tingling.

3. Weakness

If you are experiencing weakness in your back, it could be a sign of a bulging disc. This can compress the nerves in the spine and cause weakness. Weakness can often feel like fatigue.

4. Difficulty Walking

If you are having difficulty walking, it could be a sign of a bulging disc. This can compress the nerves in the spine and cause pain when walking.

5. Pain that Radiates Down the Leg

If you are experiencing pain that radiates down your leg, it could be a sign of a bulging disc. A bulging disc can compress the nerves in the spine and cause pain to radiate down the leg. This is often called sciatica.

Other symptoms could include:

• Sharp and spreading pain in one particular part of the back or neck
• Irritation in the rib cage, thighs, arms, or shoulders
• Numbness through extremities affected by the disc
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced reflexes

Treatment

There are many different treatments for this condition, such as:

• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic care can help to relieve the pain and pressure that a bulging disc puts on the nerves in the spine.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles in the back and prevent further injury.
• Massage: Massage can help to relieve the pain and tension that a bulging disc can cause.
• Exercise: Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles in the back and prevent further injury.
• Spinal decompression: Spinal decompression therapy to release pressure on the affected disc or discs
• Class IV DIOWAVE Laser Therapy
• Injections of cortisone to provide long term pain relief without dangerous medications
• Tracking of bulging discs that aren’t causing symptoms
• Medically supervised weight loss to relieve strain on the entire spine

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to get checked out by Dr. Bart Atencio and Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

At your appointment, Dr. Shaner will take a history and perform a physical examination. He may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, he will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. While some cases of a bulging disc can improve on their own, others may require more aggressive treatment.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaner today to get started on your road to recovery!