What Is A Bulging Disc? When It Is Considered Dangerous

The term "bulging disc" is commonly used to describe a condition where a part of a spinal disc migrates outwards, either from an injury or gradual wear and tear. The medical term is herniated nucleus pulposus. It may be painful and advancing, and can eventually lead to surgery. Whenever a person is given the diagnosis, he definitely is curious about knowing what is a bulging disc and finds out all he can about his options.

The spinal column is comprised of twenty four segments known as vertebrae. The first seven of the 24, named cervical, make up the neck, medically termed as the cervical spine. The next twelve are defined thoracic and constitute the middle back, or thoracic spine. The remaining five are named lumbar, and constitute the lower back, or lumbar spine. Except for the first two cervical vertebrae, a spinal disc connects vertebrae together to give structure, durability, flexibility and resistance from shock.

The disc itself is a fibrous joint whose outer part is made of a sequence of concentric rings having fibers which tilt in an alternating manner. This is called the annulus fibrosus. The inner part is known as the nucleus pulposus and has a jelly like texture that can resist considerable hydrostatic pressure. It is the critical part which helps distribute weight applied to the spine, and is the part that can herniate and cause the true disc bulge.

Orthopedic specialists use several terms to describe the varying degree of disc bulging. If the nucleus bulges in a broad manner and the outlying annulus rings remain intact, it is called a broad based disc bulge. When the bulge is more focalized, it is known as a focal disc bulge. If the outer annulus fibers have broken, letting a portion of the bulge to permeate into the spinal canal, it is known as a disc prolapse. If the section of the nucleus separates the rest of the disc, it is known as a disc sequestration. As one can notice, the question "what is a bulging disc" may have several responses.

A herniated disc is diagnosed with MRI. The vast majority of disc herniations take place in the lower back and neck. This is simply because they aren't reinforced by the ribcage as in the thoracic spine. The neck and lower back are more flexible in different planes and thus experience more forces to their spinal discs. An MRI will demonstrate the side view, or mid-sagittal, which can clearly reveal the degree of disc herniation. Doctors are concerned about the size of the herniation, where it is present, and whether or not it is contacting nerve structure. The top view, or coronal view will allow the doctor to visualize the lateral canals where nerve roots exit the spine and go to the extremities (arms and legs). Doctors are interested in seeing if the bulge is closing or partly encroaching on or both of these canals.

So, rather than asking what is a bulging disk one ought to ask "when is a bulging disk considered risky?" Usually, any disc bulge which is greater than five mm is considered clinically significant. Most individuals have some amount of disc bulging, that is normal because the disc's job is to cushion the weight placed on the spine. These natural bulges are not typically felt. Treatment for disc bulges varies from simple back stretches, to spinal surgery. It all depends on the area of the herniation and whether it is pushing on the spinal cord.

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