Understanding and Treating a Bulging or Herniated Disc
The intervertebral disc is a piece of soft tissue located between all the vertebra in the spine. There are a total of 23 discs starting in your neck and going all the way down to your low back. The disc is made up of a gel center (nucleus pulposus) with fibro-cartilage rings (anulus fibrosus) containing it. Its purpose is to provide flexibility and cushioning to the entire spine.
Physical trauma or excessive loads on the disc can cause tearing in the outer fibrous rings causing the central gel to bulge or herniate out. The bulging or herniated disc causes localized inflammation which puts pressure on the nerve roots causing varying degrees of pain and functional problems. Discs can also degenerate or thin out over time due to wear and tear. This reduces the space between the vertebra leading to loss of motion and increased pressure on the nerves.