Bulging Disc: Tingling Pain In The Back

A herniated disc or a bulging disc occurs when the gelatinous disc that acts as a cushion between two vertebral bones starts to get inflamed. The nucleus or the inner core of the disc pushes out and against the external wall. This creates a pressure that then irritates the inner spinal cord which is encased inside the vertebral canal. The result is pain and tingling that goes down the back and to the extremities.

Basically, contrary to horror stories that are circulating around, treatments for a bulging disc may not necessarily mean paralysis or even surgery. Actually, surgery is just the final treatment and this will only be recommended by the doctor if all other treatments fail and if the condition worsens despite the treatments.

Symptoms of a bulging disc really depend on the patient. There are times when the patient feels no pain at all, or is asymptomatic and the bulge simply heals by itself or can only be discovered if and when the patient goes through an imaging scan for another problem, not related to back pains. For those who are symptomatic, the patient will usually feel acute pain and discomfort on the lower extremities, upper extremities or other parts of the body. It really depends on the location of the spine in relation to the parts affected.

There are four segments or divisions of the spine. The cervical which controls the neck above and the rest of the body, the thoracic which controls the trunk area, the lumbar which controls the lower back and lower extremities and the sacral or the pelvic area. When going for a check up with the doctor, it's best to make sure that the course and area of the pain are monitored. With the information readily available, the doctor will not find it hard to determine the exact area of the bulging disc.

Ordinary pain medications can control the inflammation of the bulging disc and sometimes it can cure it from progressing further. This accompanied by the necessary rest and exercise should bring back the normal conditions of the back later on. However, those who fear the pain have to remember that it is not good to immobilize the back as this could freeze and worse pain can float. Another thing to remember, do not take the pain medications without the direct supervision of the doctor. It can lead to addiction, plainly speaking.

For those who are advised on rest, they also need to be careful for extended times of rest and immobilization can also worsen the conditions and the pain. It has to be a balance between rest and activities that do not strain on the back. The last approach for the bulging disc treatment is of course surgery. Although this may be the last to be recommended, in more serious cases of a bulging disc, this may be the best treatment of them all.