Also known as a herniated, ruptured or protruding disc, bulging discs occur when the gel in the discs between your vertebrae (the bones that make up your spine), loses flexibility and becomes rigid and compressed. When this happens, your discs can press on the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to pain and problems with mobility.
As well as age, other common causes and risk factors of disc bulges include, engaging in some types of physical activity (especially repetitive movements), lifting heaving objects, a sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity, and even lifestyle choices such as smoking which may accelerate degeneration by reducing the oxygen supply to the disc.
Disc bulges are usually due to age-related degeneration, with some of the most common symptoms including, back pain that worsens with sudden movements (such as sneezing), spasms in the back muscles, weakness, numbness and reduced mobility in legs, feet, knees and ankles, difficulty walking, reduced coordination, sciatica and eventually decreased bladder and bowel control.
Treatments for disc bulges will depend on their severity and location. However, Physio Health Clinic’s primary physiotherapist, Andrew can discuss a range of options with you. These may include graded rest, anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and reduce inflammation, spinal decompression exercises, stretches, steroid injections or surgery to reduce pain and improve mobility.