How Bulging Disc and Herniated Disc Differ?

You probably are well acquainted with the terms like bulging disc and herniated disc. They both are related to the spine. These two are quite painful but do not confuse them as the same. Though these are impactful to the spine but do not reflects the same condition.

A Bulging Disc

The bulging disc refers to the protruding disc and it can happen in any section of a disc. Sometimes, the entire perimeter of a disc can protrude. You may not always get symptoms with a bulging disc. Many people have it, but they may not realize.

Not having symptoms is a key difference between a bulging disc and herniated disc. Though there may not be any symptom, some people may have –

  • Back, arm or leg pain

  • Sensorial pain, burning or tingling sensation, numbness, etc.

  • Muscle spasms or weakness in muscles

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A Herniated Disc

When the outer layer of the spine cracks and intervenes the inner layer space – this is called a herniated disc. A herniated disc is prone to pinch your spinal cord and causing utter discomfort as it slips into the spinal canal. When a herniated disc issue happens, you may experience –

  • Pain

  • Numbness

  • Burning

  • Tingling

  • Weakness

Bulging Disc Causes

With time a spinal disc starts witnessing wear and tear and gets disc degeneration as it withstands a lot of pressure. Rheumatoid arthritis or spinal osteoarthritis is one of the common outcomes of a bulging disc or a degenerative disc. For which you must visit a rheumatologist. A degenerated disc is not a disease itself, but this is rather a condition a spine goes through and gets pain. Apart from that, there are other factors like obesity, smoking, strain, physical inactivity, bad posture, etc.

Herniated Disc Causes

A herniated disc often referred to as a slipped disc when the outer layer is weak, and the inner section comes out. The factors which can lead to this condition are age, obesity, lifting up heavy objects, weak muscles, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Bulging Disc Treatment

There are lots of options for bulging discs. As a short-term treatment option, you can use anti-inflammatory medications especially when you have flareups. Your doctor also can use pain reliever injections.

Long-term treatment options generally have a self-directed exercise program that you must start with a physical therapist.

Herniated Disc Treatment

Like a bulging disc, the herniated disc also has treatment options. If you have symptoms less than six weeks but there is no damaged nerve, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapies can work for you.

Contact Oklahoma Pain Treatment for rheumatologist and herniated disc treatment. Let us see how we can help you.

**Disclaimer: This blog post does not establish terms of a doctor-patient relationship and is not intended to be taken as a doctor's advice.

rheumatologist okc, herniated disc treatmentBrandon Shaversrheumatologist okc, herniated disc treatment