09/03/2020
I think this is really interesting- a high percentage of people have disc bulges but will have no pain & the older you are the more likelihood of having a disc bulge & being asymptomatic. Taken from .caleb.burgess
A bulging disc injury is a common spine injury sustained to your spine's intervertebral disc. It can occur in your lumbar spine (lower back), thoracic spine (upper and mid-back) or your cervical spine (neck).
A bulging disc can commonly be referred to as a slipped disc or a protruding disc. However, when the disc bulge is significant enough for the disc nucleus to come out of the annulus, it is known as a herniated disc. See second picture.
What is a Spinal Disc?
Spinal discs are the shock-absorbing rings of fibrocartilage and glycoprotein that separate your spine bones while allowing movement at each spinal level, and enough room for the major spinal nerves to exit from the spinal canal and travel to your limbs.
The annulus is the outer section of the spinal disc, consisting of several layers of multi-directional fibrocartilaginous fibres all densely packed to create a wall around the glycoprotein filled jelly-like disc nucleus.
The degree of spinal disc injury varies considerably from mild disc strains or internal derangements, mild-moderate-severe disc bulges through to complete disc rupture and herniation of the nucleus through the annular wall.
The fluid component, or disc nucleus, in the disc centre, is like the caramel inside a chocolate, or jam inside a donut. It normally moves within the annulus adjusting to the pressures placed on your spine.
However, if you injure the annulus, the wall weakens and the nucleus can press outwards on the weakened disc wall, causing your disc to bulge outwards.
But not all disc bulges will be symptomatic. Many disc injuries can be rehabilitated with the correct advice, education & strength exercise programme.
If you are struggling with back pain & need an assessment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or book an appointment.
@ Nutts Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic
