What Is A Bulging Disc? When It Is Regarded As Significant

The term "bulging disc" is commonly used to describe a disease where a part of a spinal disc moves radially, either from an injury or progressive degeneration. The medical term is herniated nucleus pulposus. It may be painful and advancing, and can eventually require surgery. Whenever a person is given the diagnosis, he ultimately is interested in knowing what is a bulging disc and finds out all he can about his options.

The spinal column is made up of twenty-four segments referred to as vertebrae. The first seven of the 24, named cervical, comprise the neck, medically termed as the cervical spine. The next twelve are designated thoracic and comprise the center back, or thoracic spine. The last five are designated lumbar, and make up the lower back, or lumbar spine. Except for the first two cervical vertebrae, a spinal disc joins vertebrae together to give structure, stability, flexibility and protection from trauma.

The disc is a fibrous joint whose outer portion is made of a number of concentric rings containing fibers that alternately criss cross. This is known as the annulus fibrosus. The inner portion is called the nucleus pulposus and has a jelly like texture that can resist considerable hydrostatic pressure. It is the important part which helps distribute weight placed on the spine, and is the portion that can break through and lead to the actual disc bulge.

Orthopedic specialists use several terms to express the varying degree of disc bulging. If the nucleus bulges in a broad fashion and the peripheral annulus rings remain unchanged, it is known as a broad based disc bulge. If the bulge is more focal, it is known as a focal disc bulge. If the outer annulus fibers have ruptured, letting a portion of the bulge to pass through into the spinal canal, it is referred to as a disc prolapse. If the section of the nucleus breaks off 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 results.

A herniated disc is identified with MRI. Most disc herniations occur in the lower back and neck. This is simply because they aren't stabilized by the ribcage like the thoracic spine. The neck and lower back are more mobile in different planes and thus undergo more forces to their spinal discs. An MRI will show the lateral view, or mid-sagittal, that can clearly show the degree of disc herniation. Doctors are concerned about the size of the herniation, where it is present, and if it is contacting nerve structure. The upper view, also called coronal will allow the doctor to see the spaces where nerve roots branch from the spinal cord and make their way to the extremities (arms and legs). Doctors want to know if the bulge is closing or partly closing on or both of these canals.

So, instead of asking what is a bulging disk one should ask "when is a bulging disk considered serious?" Generally, any disc bulge which is greater than five mm is considered to be clinically significant. Most individuals have some degree of disc bulging, which is normal because the disc's job is to support the weight placed on the spine. These normally occurring bulges are not typically felt. Treatment for disc bulges varies from simple back stretches, to spinal surgery. It all relies on the area of the herniation and whether or not it is pressing on spinal nerves.

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