The spinal discs are instrumental in protecting the spinal column. The outer shell of the spinal disc is hard, containing a soft, jelly-like substance. The cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine all contain spinal discs between the vertebrae, cushioning the bone and nerves. Degenerative disease, injury or other factors can cause spinal discs to lose their shape, bulging outside of the frame of the spine, causing pain and other symptoms. Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA, offers bulging disc treatment to relieve back and neck pain.
Bulging disc treatment can include epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation and irritation to nerves surrounding the spine. In some cases, bulging discs are combined with other spinal issues like spine stenosis or vertebrae fractures. The treatment depends on the extent of damage to the disc. Conservative treatments are preferred before exploring more complex surgical options to repair damage to the disc or surrounding vertebrae.
Symptoms and Causes of Bulging Discs
Bulging discs are more common as you get older. The exterior shell becomes more brittle and susceptible to malformation and flattening with age, bulging outside the confines of the spine. Injury can also contribute to bulging discs at any age. It is common to have bulging discs without any symptoms. The symptoms associated with bulging disc occur when the discs irritate nerves in the area.
Bulging discs most commonly take place in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) regions. Cervical bulging discs can cause neck pain, as well as radiating pain, numbness and tingling in the shoulder and arms. Lumbar bulging discs cause lower back pain and sciatica symptoms radiating into the hips and legs.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort related to a bulging disc, treatment is available at Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA. Contact us to schedule an exam and consultation to get relief for your bulging disc symptoms.