The word "bulging disc" is often used to describe a disorder where a part of a spinal disc shifts outwards, either from an injury or gradual degeneration. The medical term is herniated nucleus pulposus. It may be painful and advancing, and can ultimately need surgery. Whenever a person is given the diagnosis, he ultimately is curious about knowing what is a bulging disc and finds out all he can about his options.
The spinal column is comprised of twenty-four segments referred to as vertebrae. The first seven of the 24, designated cervical, constitute the neck, medically termed as the cervical spine. The next twelve are specified thoracic and constitute the center back, or thoracic spine. The remaining five are designated lumbar, and make up the lower back, or lumbar spine. With the exception of the first two cervical vertebrae, a spinal disc joins vertebrae together to give structure, sturdiness, flexibility and resistance from trauma.
The disc itself is a fibrous joint whose outer portion is made of a number of concentric layers that have fibers which tilt in an alternating fashion. This is known as the annulus fibrosus. The inner part is called the nucleus pulposus and has a jelly like texture that can endure significant hydrostatic pressure. It is the crucial part which helps distribute weight placed on the spine, and is the part that can break through and cause the actual disc bulge.
Orthopedic doctors use different terms to express the varying degree of disc bulging. If the nucleus bulges in a broad fashion and the outlying annulus rings remain unchanged, it is called a broad based disc bulge. If the bulge is more focal, it is known as a focalized disc bulge. If the outer annulus fibers have torn, letting a portion of the bulge to pass through into the spinal canal, it is known as a disc prolapse. If the section of the nucleus separates the rest of the disc, it is called a disc sequestration. As one can notice, the question "what is a bulging disc" may have several explanations.
A herniated disc is identified with MRI. The majority of disc herniations take place in the lower back and neck. This is simply because they aren't reinforced by the ribcage like the thoracic spine. The neck and lower back are more mobile in different axes and therefore undergo more forces to their spinal discs. An MRI will show the side view, or mid-sagittal, which can clearly show the degree of disc herniation. Doctors are concerned about the size of the herniation, where it is located, and as to whether it is contacting nerve structure. The upper view, or coronal view will allow the doctor to see the lateral canals where nerve roots exit the spine and make their way to the extremities (arms and legs). Doctors want to know if the bulge is blocking or partially blocking on or both of these canals.
So, instead of asking what is a bulging disk one ought to ask "when is a bulging disk considered risky?" Generally, any disc bulge which is larger than five millimieters is considered to be clinically significant. Most individuals have some degree of disc bulging, that is normal because the disc's job is to distribute the weight placed on the spine. These normally occurring bulges are not typically felt. Treatment for disc bulges varies from no treatment, to spinal surgery. It all relies on the area of the herniation and whether or not it is pushing on spinal nerves.
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