Bulging & Herniated Disc
Understanding Bulging and Herniated Discs
Bulging and herniated discs are conditions that affect the intervertebral discs – the essential cushions between your vertebrae. These discs have a flat, round structure with a durable outer layer made of cartilage and a softer, gel-like cartilage layer at their core. A disc is considered bulging when its outer cartilage extends beyond its normal position, while a herniated disc, often referred to as a ruptured or slipped disc, occurs when the inner cartilage protrudes from the disc itself.
Recognizing Common Symptoms
Bulging discs are prevalent and frequently don’t trigger pain. Symptoms associated with herniated discs vary based on their location and severity. These symptoms can encompass arm or leg pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. These effects may even lead to loss of balance, impairing your ability to lift objects or engage in physical activities.
Diagnosing Herniated Discs
In most instances, a skilled medical professional can diagnose disc-related issues through a comprehensive physical examination. This evaluation involves checking for tenderness in your back and assessing your range of motion. To pinpoint the cause of pain and identify affected nerves, you may be asked to change your leg positions while lying down. In some cases, additional imaging tests like X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be ordered to gain a more detailed understanding.
Navigating Treatment Options
For many individuals, noninvasive treatments can provide relief:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Prescription pain relievers
- Muscle relaxants or cortisone injections
- Physical therapy
If conservative methods prove ineffective, surgery may be considered. Surgical options encompass removing the protruding section of the disc (known as discectomy, the most common surgical approach), complete disc removal, vertebral fusion, or the implantation of an artificial disc.
Deciding on the most suitable treatment is a collaborative process guided by the adept surgeons at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center. Their expertise lies in minimally invasive spine surgery, and they possess the skill to diagnose and treat disc-related conditions using cutting-edge techniques, aiming to alleviate pain and restore an active lifestyle. To initiate a consultation with North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center, please contact us at 919-784-7550.
Contact Us For An Appointment
The care team at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center can help you decide on the treatment that's best for you. They specialize in minimally invasive surgery and are experienced in diagnosing and treating disorders and diseases, using the newest techniques for relieving pain and returning you to an active lifestyle. To make an appointment at North Carolina Neuroscience & Spine Center call 919-784-7550.
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