Your doctor will do straight leg rising test. Normally you should be able to bend leg to 90 degree. when your disc protrudes, you may not be able to do the leg rising test.
A bulging disc in the neck typically cannot travel or migrate to the lower back. However, the same factors that contribute to disc issues in the neck (such as aging, injury, and poor posture) can also affect the discs in the lower back separately. It is important to address any disc issues in both the neck and lower back to prevent further complications.
A bulging disc occurs when the cartilage between spinal vertebrae weaken and exert pressure on adjacent nerves. It is the the outer wall of the cartilage or annulus that is affected. The jelly-like fluid inside the disc, which is called pulposus, becomes displaced as a result and creates undue pressure in the affected areas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bulging discs can affect the lower and upper back as well as the neck or cervical area of the spine. However, the most common types of bulging discs are those that occur between the L-4 and L-5 lumbar vertebrae in the curve of the lower back. Bulging discs can be highly painful and disabling. They are often caused by accidents or heavy lifting. Most doctors recommend that bulging disc sufferers rest when they suspect such an injury. They can then verify the injury through a Cat Scan or MRI. The problem with bulging discs is that they can turn into herniated or ruptured discs, where the pulposus actually flows outside the cartilage. The disc has a much better chance of repairing itself when the pulposus remains inside the disc. Most doctors prescribe medications like ibuprofen for bulging discs. People can also apply ice to the affected area at 20-minute intervals. Once the inflammation subsides, heat can be used to facilitate the healing process. Heat promotes blood flow. Blood contains oxygen and nutrients which can help heal the bulging disc. A doctor may also recommend certain exercises for bulging discs, once the pain and inflammation have been minimized. Exercise helps strengthen muscles around the injury, which provides better support for the bulging disc. One exercise involves lying on the floor and pulling both knees up to the chest. Hold the motion for five seconds, then bring both feet back to the floor simultaneously. Individuals can also alternately pull one leg at a time to the chest. Pressing the lower back to the floor is another strength-building exercise. Those with cervical bulging discs can hold both hands up at right angles and pull their arms back to strengthen muscles in the neck and traps.
When an MRI report indicates two bulging discs measuring 4.0 mm and 4.5 mm in the lower lumbar region, it means that the discs in the lower back are protruding beyond their normal boundaries. This bulging can potentially compress nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. The measurements indicate the extent of the bulging, with larger values suggesting a more pronounced issue. It's essential to discuss these findings with a healthcare provider for appropriate management and treatment options.
Some of the symptoms associated with the medical condition bulging discs would be pain in the lower back, legs and hips. More serious symptoms are numbness, joint weakness or bowel/urinary incontinence which if present you are advised to seek help immediately.
A bulging disc is a condition that occurs when there is a tear in the outer ring of one of your intervertebral discs, causing the soft portion to bulge out and out of place. If you have a bulging disc, you should definitely get it checked out asap in case it gets worse. If you start feeling pain from bulging discs, I would suggest trying to use some natural methods to relieve the pain - I found some great methods that helped with my back pain - see related links.
Neural foraminal stenosis is a condition in which a spinal nerve is compressed, causing pain and numbness of the lower back or the neck. It can be caused by herniated or bulging discs, bone spurs, or collapse of the spinal disc space.
The only way you could tell is if you go and see a doctor. If the back pain is really severe, then you should definitely pay a visit to a doctor to see if it is bulging disc.
A dorsal disc bulge is the most dangerous to correct because of the spinal cord. The diffuse dorsal disc bulge causes pain in the side of the back, tingling in the torse, all the way to the lower extremities, and lack of strength in lower extremities.
Lower back pain can be caused by a number of issues such as a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis or a pulled muscle among other things. Visit your doctor.
Bulging discs are similar to herniated discs. However, the outer casing of the cartilage usually doesn't crack with a bulging disc. A bulging disc occurs when the disc or cartilage between spinal vertebrae weaken. Consequently, the jelly-like fluid inside the disc, which is know as pulposus, becomes displaced and tends to extend into the weakened area. This puts pressure on nerves in the spinal area, causing numerous symptoms, depending on the location of the injury. Bulging discs can occur in all areas of the back, including the cervical or neck area. Bulging discs in the cervical area often cause numbness in the arms and shoulders, sending flashes of pain and numbness down the arms to the finger tips. Lumbar bulging discs, however, are far more common. These injuries usually occur between the L-4 and L-5 lumbar vertebrae, which is where the spine curves in the lower back. Individuals with bulging discs in the lumbar area may experience radiating pain in the lower back that shoots down into the hips and legs. Symptoms may be similar to sciatica, which is pain that shoots from the hip area, or highest part of the long sciatic nerve.Those with bulging discs should rest and refrain from all physical activity. It is also advisable to see a doctor to confirm the injury. Doctors will usually instruct patients with bulging discs to take ibuprofen. They may prescribe other stronger pain killers so people can better function. Those with bulging discs may also benefit from using ice at the onset of the injury, especially during the first 48 to 72 hours. Ice momentarily reduces the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, which is the body's natural response to injuries. Ice should be used for 20 minutes about every four hours. Once the pain and inflammation have subsided, individuals may use heat for healing purposes. Heating pads or hot baths are equally effective. Heat promotes blood flow, bringing oxygen, vitamin C and other nutrients that are necessary for healing injuries. Exercise such as walking or raising both knees up while lying on a floor can help build strength in the lower back. Extra strength in this area helps support the bulging disc, and may help prevent future injuries. Surgery may be necessary if the bulging disc continues to hurt.
the lumbar region (lower back)
Bulging discs are fairly common in both young adults and older people. They are not cause for panic. In fact, abnormalities that show up on MRIs, such as bulging or protruding discs, are seen at high rates in patients both with and without back pain. Most likely, some discs begin to bulge as a part of both the aging process, and the degeneration process of the intervertebral disc. A bulging disc is not necessarily a sign that anything serious is happening to your spine. A bulging disc becomes important when it bulges enough to cause narrowing of the spinal canal. If there are bone spurs present on the facet joints behind the bulging disc, the combination may cause narrowing of the spinal canal in that area. This is sometimes referred to as segmental spinal stenosis. The human spine is made up of 26 bones; grouped as follows: * 7 Cervical Vertebrae - in the neck * 12 Thoracic Vertebrae - that articulate 12 pairs of ribs * 5 Lumbar Vertebrae - lower back * Sacrum - Fusion 5 of Sacral Vertebrae of lower back * Coccyx - 'tailbone' which is a fusion of 4 Coccygeal Vertebrae In between these vertebrae we have our discs (shock absorbers)