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5 Signs You Have a Bulging Disc

Written By Spine and Rehabilitation of Morris, LLC on June 19, 2020

rsz backpain3A bulging disc, slipped disc, herniated disc – whatever you call it, it’s painful.

Spinal discs are cartilage discs surrounding a soft, jelly-like interior. They act as cushions for the vertebra of the spine. A bulging disc is a condition wherein one of these discs begins to swell around its circumference.

A herniated disc, also called a slipped disc, is a similar but different condition. With a herniated disc, the cartilage layer is pierced. This causes the soft interior to protrude out of the disc. This can occur if you do not receive bulging disc treatment in time.

Although, how do you know a bulging or herniated disc causes your back pain?

Do You Have a Bulging Disc?

It’s hard to say if one of your discs is bulging or herniated without a doctor to make the distinction. Here are five signs of both conditions.

1. It Hurts to Sit Down

Sitting down creates a lot of pressure on your discs, which can cause a lot of pain if you have a bulging or herniated disc.

2. Activity Makes the Pain Worse 

Strenuous activity like lifting or bending can worsen disc pain. Sudden movements such as coughing and sneezing can also aggravate injured discs.

3. You Have Sciatica or Pain in the Legs 

A damaged disc can aggravate the root nerves of your legs and cause pain. This is caused by the damaged disc creating pressure on the nerve or a herniated disc leaking fluid on the nerve.

4. You Experience Numbness and Tingling 

Sometimes, a nerve may be affected without causing pain. Instead, you may feel tingling or numbness in your limbs.

5. Your Pain Hasn’t Responded to Treatment 

If you’ve already received treatment for pain, but the pain keeps resurfacing, that’s a sign that there’s an underlying issue that has not been treated. If you have other symptoms listed above, you likely have a bulging disc.

Bulging Disc Treatment in Cedar Knolls

If you have a bulging disc, receiving spinal decompression treatment for 6-8 weeks can help. If you need spinal decompression in Cedar Knolls, see the team at Spine and Rehabilitation of Morris, LLC. Dr. Goldfarb has 37 years of experience and is ready to help you feel your best.

Don’t let your condition worsen. Call (973) 359-4400 or use our online form to start talking treatment today.


Posted In: Chiropractic Low Back Pain Bulging Disc Treatment