Bulging Disc

Generally, the symptoms of a bulging disc do not show unless the protruding disc sets other problems into motion. If you have a bulging disc problem, you may experience the following symptoms:

Lower Back Pain

When your lower back pain goes all the way to your abdomen and chest, you may have a thoracic bulging disc. It is important that you get checked by a medical professional immediately, as this might also signify gastrointestinal, lung and heart failure.

Tingling and Pain in the Neck

You may feel pain or tingling in your fingers, hands, neck, arms and shoulders. This is usually a sign that you have a bulging disc in the upper spine area. You need to seek urgent medical assistance if you have trouble walking, feel that your legs are heavy or can’t walk completely. This may indicate life-threatening damage to the spinal cord.

Muscle Spasms

A lumbar region bulging disc is indicated by pain and muscle spasms in the lower back area. This discomfort may spread to the feet, buttocks and thighs. The lumbar area usually carries up to 90% of the total body weight. In most cases, this may cause sciatica, a condition that is described as pain radiating down one leg. Contact medical experts if you lose bladder control.

Our spine surgeons encourage those with a bulging disc to undergo conservative treatments once pain or other troubling symptoms begin. This gives the disc a chance to restore itself to its former position and shape while allowing the pinched nerves to heal. Treatments range from physical therapy to pain-relieving medications, including strengthening exercises or cortisone shots. Patients are typically required to investigate more conservative options first and turn to surgery only after these options have failed to relieve pain.

The expert team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can perform a variety of surgical procedures using minimally invasive techniques to provide the best possible outcomes for long-term relief from a bulging disc.

An artificial disc replacement is a minimally invasive solution to a severe bulging disc, performed in a two-hour outpatient setting. This treatment allows for a quicker, less painful recovery period spent in the comfort of your own home.

There’s no need to suffer through progressively worsening back pain and loss of muscle function. If conservative treatment methods have failed you and you are tired of living with the constant pain and other symptoms from one or more bulging discs, try our Candidacy Verification tool to determine if you qualify for one of our minimally invasive surgical solutions.