Bulging Disk, Growing Pain

Most of us have been troubled by back pain, which can have several causes. But a common source of back pain is a bulging disk.

Your spine consists of soft, jellylike material (called discs) that cushions the vertebrae of the spine. Sometimes a disc moves out of place, which is referred to as a bulging disc.

Bulging discs often develop as we age. As we get older, discs change and shift when they lose elasticity, and this can cause them to collapse and protrude in the spine. Repetitive movements and strenuous lifting and twisting can cause this condition also.

Bulging disc symptoms emerge when the bulge puts pressure on nerve roots that branch off the spinal cord; symptoms begin at the point of pressure and spread to where the affected nerve root travels. For instance, a bulging disc in your neck can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in your shoulders, arms, chest, hands, and fingers.

Although common in the lower back, a bulging disc can occur in the lumbar region of the spine (the area from your waist to hips), the thoracic region of the spine (behind the chest), or in the neck. Using an MRI diagnostic imaging test, a medical professional can determine if you are suffering from a bulging disc.

Bulging disc symptoms can worsen when you are active. Bending forward, driving, and sitting may increase your pain because they put additional pressure on the nerve.

Fortunately, spinal decompression therapy can help. Nonsurgical spinal decompression strengthens and stretches the ligaments in your spine that hold disks in place. Over time, negative pressure from this therapy can help bulging disks to retract, relieving pressure from the nerves and elsewhere in your spine. This helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.

To discover how nonsurgical spinal decompression therapy can help you, contact Options Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center in Nutley, NJ. For information, visit www.optionsrehab.com.

Options Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Center is a multi-specialty practice centered on surgical alternatives to treat pain and injury. We are located in Nutley, NJ, in Essex County, and very near neighboring counties of Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson. We offer our patients non-surgical treatment, rehabilitative options, and minimally invasive procedures for low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica, and injuries related to sports, work, and auto accidents.