Back pain is common, and most of us experience it at some point in life. It is caused by various conditions, but problems associated with spinal discs play a major role. If you are experiencing severe upper or lower back pain and wondering what might be the cause, don’t worry; we offer the best back pain treatment in Hyderabad. According to research by experts, it is estimated that 5% to 9% of the world population might experience a herniated disc, and a bulging disc is even more prevalent.
Talking about disc problems, “bulging disc” and “herniated disc.” are two major spinal disc-related conditions that cause back pain. Though they have few similar symptoms, they are two different conditions. This article will help to differentiate between a bulging disc and a herniated disc.
Understanding the spinal discs
Before knowing the difference between bulging discs and herniated discs, it’s important to know about spinal discs and their functions. Your spine is divided into several segments known as vertebrae. Spinal discs are gel-filled, soft, and rubbery cushions located between these vertebrae. They act like shock absorbers, allowing spinal flexibility. Every disc is made of a tough outer layer called annulus fibrosus and a gel-like inner core called nucleus pulposus. Any damage to this disc might result in back pain.
Bulging Disc
A bulging disc is a condition that occurs when the outer layer of the disc protrudes out like a bubble into the spinal canal, but the overall structure remains intact.
Several conditions can cause disc problems, and wear and tear is one of the most common disc problems observed in ageing people. Poor posture can also put excess pressure on your spine, which may increase your risk of developing a bulging disc.
When one side of the vertebrae puts excess pressure on the disc, it bulges outward in the opposite direction. However, the disc may bulge around the whole perimeter. It’s possible that several discs can bulge at a time.
In some cases, a bulging disc might not cause any problems; it’s a part of the natural ageing process. However, some people experience pain and other symptoms, particularly when the bulging becomes worse. Sometimes these bulging discs compress the nerve root or may lead to inflammation, which makes the pain more severe.
Herniated Disc
Herniated discs, also called “ruptured” or “slipped” discs, occur when the outer layer ruptures and cartilage cracks. When this cartilage cracks, the jelly-like substance inside the nucleus starts to leak out.
A bulging disc may become herniated if it gets worse over time. An injury to the spine can cause damage to spinal discs, which leads to herniated discs. This condition mostly affects the nerve roots, causing severe pain. Depending on the location and severity of the condition, people may experience symptoms like struggling to walk, numbness, tingling sensations, and loss of range of motion in their backs or legs.
Compared to herniated discs, bulging discs cause more pain. Some patients may be unaware that they have a herniated disc until an MRI scan confirms the diagnosis.
Bulging vs Herniated Disc
Both of these conditions can affect any disc along the spine, causing lower back pain or upper back pain based on the location of damage. Although they have many similarities, we can differentiate between them as follows:
If you are having back pain and want to diagnose the condition on your own, observe the difference in the location and severity of the pain you experience. Patients with bulging discs may notice pain that becomes more severe gradually and may not consult a doctor until the pain becomes severe. On the other hand, a herniated disc will cause pain right away.
Herniated discs are commonly caused by an accident or injury, while bulging discs are commonly caused by poor posture and long-term, repetitive spinal stress.
If you are having back pain, consult a spine surgeon so that he can diagnose and confirm whether you have a bulged or herniated disc or any other problem. MRI scanning can help diagnose the exact cause of your pain.
Treatment for Bulging or Herniated Disc
Pain caused by disc damage can be annoying. However, there are many treatment options available, especially if you consult the doctor as early as possible. Conservative treatment approaches are the first line of options in most cases.
Physical therapy strengthens the muscles surrounding the area. Doctors may suggest anti-inflammatory and pain medications to improve the condition. Ice, heat, and massage therapy can also ease pain and inflammation. If pain is severe, steroid injections are directly injected into the damaged disc for immediate and temporary relief.
If conservative treatment fails to improve the condition, surgery is the next option to get lasting relief. There are different types of surgeries available to treat a disc herniation or bulging disc. Considering many factors, like the severity of the condition, location of the disc problem, etc., surgeons may suggest one of these procedures Discectomy, Microdiscectomy, Laminectomy, Spinal Fusion, or Artificial Disc Replacement. These surgical procedures are highly customized and patient-focused, and most of them are minimally invasive techniques.
If you are suffering from localized back pain or experiencing radiating symptoms, consult Dr. Surya Prakash, one of the best spine surgeons in Hyderabad. He is an expert in treating various spine problems, provides personalized treatment plans, and ensures the best results for every patient. When it comes to managing spinal health, Dr. Surya Prakash’s dedication to precision and personalized treatment helps to improve the quality of life of patients with disc problems, especially bulging and herniated discs.
