A bulging disc is a spinal condition in which one of the strong fibrocartilaginous discs that sit between your vertebrae starts to become misshapen. Oftentimes this occurs as a result of significant stress on the disc, either during one acute moment of strain or gradually as a result of repetitive strain and normal bodily wear and tear over an extended period. It is less serious than a herniated disc, but since a bulging disc oftentimes precedes a herniation, many patients wonder if a bulging disc will eventually herniate. In today’s blog, we explain if a bulging disc means that a herniated disc will be in your future.
Bulging And Herniated Discs
When talking about bulging and herniated discs, we oftentimes like to use the jelly-filled donut example. Your spinal discs are a lot like jelly donuts in that a sturdier outer layer protects a softer gel-like core. If you had a donut on the table and applied some pressure, the donut would flatten a bit but retain its normal shape. Although it takes a lot more pressure in your spine, this is essentially what is happening when you suffer a bulging disc. It may lose some of its natural height and take on a slightly less optimal shape, but the disc is still protecting the inner nucleus.
Now let’s say you really press down on that donut, forcing the jelly to burst out from the inside. This is what happens to your spinal disc during a herniation. A herniated disc can mend without surgical intervention, although sometimes a procedure is needed if conservative methods don’t provide relief. But will a your bulging disc eventually herniate, or can help restore a more normal disc shape?
The good news is that not all bulging discs will eventually herniate. That said, you’re not going to be able to completely turn back the clock and restore your spinal discs to the healthiest version of themselves. This is one of the many reasons why we say that prevention is preferred to treatment. If you strengthen your spine, limit problematic stress and work to maintain an ideal weight, you can increase your likelihood of having strong spinal discs long into adulthood.
If you’re hoping to treat a bulging disc before it herniates, you’ll want to consult with a spine specialist. They can provide you with some individualized recommendations based on your specific circumstances, but odds are they will recommend a combination of a few different non-operative techniques. The most common treatment options for a bulging disc include:
- Rest/Activity Avoidance
- Controlled Exercise
- Physical Therapy
- Hot/Cold Therapy
- Weight Loss
- Posture Improvements
Most people see their bulging disc symptoms subside after a couple of weeks of treatment, but it’s important not to fall back into bad habits once your back is starting to feel better. You’ll still benefit from regular exercise, posture improvements and avoiding certain strenuous movements (like bending at the waist instead of with your knees), otherwise a bulging disc may return, or it could fully herniate.
If you’re dealing with a bulging or herniated disc, or you’re working to overcome a different back issue, consider reaching out to Dr. Sinicropi and the experts at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
