What is disc bulge?

A disc bulge is a situation in which the nucleus (inner portion) of a spinal disc remains hold within the annulus fibrosus (outer portion), unlike a herniated disc in which the nucleus comes of the disc. This protrusion or bulge can put pressure on the surrounding nerve roots which can cause pain that diffuse down the back and/or other areas of the body depending on the location of the bulging disc.

What causes disc bulge?

The most common cause may be due to the natural process of aging and degeneration of disc combined with other risk factors.

How is disc bulge treated?

Mild to moderate pain can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications both over the counter and prescription.

It is also recommended to use heating pads, ice packs, massage therapy, and exercise to relieve pain. In emergency cases when the disc becomes life-threatening, a surgeon can perform surgery, but this is rare.