A bulging disc means that the “jelly” inside the disc has broken loose, but was stopped from completely escaping by the disc’s tough outer ring.
The “jelly” center of the intervertebral disc is called the “nucleus pulposus.” The tough outer ring is called the “annulus fibrosus.” Because it’s a shock absorber and gives the spinal bones flexibility, the nucleus pulposus endures constant high pressure.
If the annulus fibrosus wasn’t as tough as nails, you’d injure your discs every time you sneezed, bent over to pick up your car keys or played a round of golf.
Why Does a Bulging Disc Cause Back Pain?
The nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus contain nerve endings that sense damage and inflammation. A bulging disc (a kind of disc injury) often sets off these nerve endings, like a fire alarm. That’s why a bulging disc can cause severe pain in the upper back, middle back or lower back.
If large enough, the bulging disc could put pressure on nearby nerve roots. This would cause pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling that radiates into the hips, buttocks or legs.
A Word About the “Slipped Disc”
The bulging disc often is mis-labeled as a “slipped disc.” In reality, a disc can’t slip out of place, but it can bulge or herniate. The pain from a bulging disc can be just a severe and disabling as a herniated disc.
When the inner disc “jelly” actually squirts outside the annulus fibrosis, then it’s a “disc herniation.”
Next Steps for Eliminating Pain from a Bulging Disc…
If you’ve already been disappointed by any of these common treatments:
- Acupuncture
- Physical Therapy
- Exercises
- Massage Therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Medications such as pain relievers and muscle relaxers
…then it’s time to do something different for your Bulging Disc pain. The Back Pain Machine™ could give you quick relief from your Bulging Disc Pain.
