Bulging Disc - What Is It?

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Find out if you're a candidate for a minimally invasive alternative to open neck or back surgery

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Bulging Disc - What Is It?

A healthy spinal disc is made up of two layers: the soft, jelly-like inner layer known as the nucleus pulposus, and the thick, fibrous outer layer known as the annulus fibrosus. A bulging disc is a condition in which the outer layer becomes weakened, and the pressure from the inner layer forces it to “bulge” outward in a certain area, expanding the outer later beyond its normal boundaries. Usually, the extrusion does not cause any symptoms because it isn’t severe enough to press into the spinal cord or nerve roots. However, if it pushes too far beyond the disc’s normal parameters, it can impinge upon these tissues, causing symptoms including:

Numbness
A “pins and needles” sensation
Weakness
Muscle spasms
Pain

Bulging Disc Treatments

Conservative bulging disc treatments vary depending on the severity, location, and cause of the condition, but frequently recommended approaches include:

OTC or prescription medication
Epidural injections of cortisone
Heat and ice therapy
Resting
Strength training
Physical therapy

The vast majority of bulging disc symptoms can be alleviated with these techniques, so most sufferers don’t need further medical intervention. However, some people continue to experience debilitating symptoms even after exhausting all of these methods, and for this minority, surgery may be recommended. If your doctor has told you that open back or neck surgery is your only chance for relief from bulging disc symptoms, then you should know that there is an effective alternative: endoscopic spine surgery. This minimally invasive procedure offers relief with many advantages over open procedures, including a lower risk of infection, an outpatient setting, a shorter incision, local rather than general anesthesia, and a shorter recovery period.

For more information on bulging disc causes, symptoms, and treatments, or to learn about the endoscopic spine surgeries performed at Laser Spine Institute, contact us. We’ll provide you with a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan to determine your eligibility for one of our procedures.

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