What is a bulging annulus?
A bulging disc is a condition in which the nucleus (inner portion) of a spinal disc remains contained within the annulus fibrosus (outer portion), unlike a herniated disc in which the nucleus leaks out of the disc.
Is a bulging disc in back serious?
One of the most significant complications of a bulging disc is permanent nerve damage. Without treatment, compressed nerve roots in the spine can be permanently damaged, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and loss of sensation.
How do you treat an annular bulging disc?
Annular Tear Treatment Options
- Pain Management. Often, annular tears will heal on their own when given sufficient time.
- Physical Therapy. Exercise is often one of the most prescribed methods for relieving a torn disc.
- Microdiscectomy.
- Artificial Disc Replacement.
Is a bulging disc a disability?
A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is the official listing of all of the conditions that qualify a person to receive disability benefits.
How do doctors treat bulging discs?
Injections. If rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy don’t help with your pain, your doctor can inject a steroid medicine into the space around your spinal nerve. This is called an epidural injection. The steroid can help bring down the swelling, help you move more easily, and ease pain from a herniated disk.
Is walking good for bulging disc?
Absolutely. Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.
Can a bulging disc get worse?
In many cases, the disc balloons in between spaces in the vertebrae. This process happens over an extended period. The longer that a condition progresses, the worse the symptoms will become.
When should I be worried about a bulging disc?
If you experience any of the severe herniated disc symptoms below, contact your doctor immediately: Loss of bowel and/or bladder control, loss of feeling in your lower extremities (legs and feet): These symptoms, which may be caused by a lumbar (low back) herniated disc, may be related to cauda equina syndrome.
Should you work with a bulging disc?
With herniated discs, you would not be able to perform a variety of job tasks. You can’t work in construction, manufacturing, or warehouse jobs because they require regular reaching, lifting, and carrying. Your limited mobility and pain would make those activities impossible.
What causes a bulging disc?
Causes of bulging discs. Spinal discs absorb a lot of wear and tear. Over time, they start to degenerate and weaken. Degenerative disc disease is the most common cause of bulging discs, often resulting in spinal osteoarthritis. Other factors that can cause or contribute to bulging discs include: strain or injury.
What are the symptoms of L3 disc?
Specific disc protrusion symptoms and treatment. Some common disc protrusion symptoms include: • Radiating or “traveling” pain • Chronic, local neck or back pain • Sciatica (in cases of a lower back, or lumbar, disc protrusion) • Numbness in the legs or arms • Muscle weakness • Stiffness • Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations.
Where is L2 and L3 in spine?
The l2 l3 herniation is a common occurrence of a lumbar injury which happens in the upper region of the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine is the portion of the spine in the lower back region and consists of a total of five backbones, also called vertebrae.
What are symptoms of L3 nerve root compression?
If a spine condition occurs in the L3 vertebra, the symptoms will likely include chronic lower back pain and radiating pain in the buttock and leg of the impacted side. Additionally, the leg and foot might feel weak and numb due to the impacted nerve root being unable to send strong signals to the extremities.