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What You Should Learn About A Bulging Disc
The phrase "bulging disc" is commonly used to describe a condition where a section of a spinal disc moves outwards, either from a trauma or progressive deterioration. The medical term is herniated nucleus pulposus. It can be painful and progressive, and can eventually lead to surgery. Whenever a patient is given the diagnosis, he ultimately is curious about knowing what is a bulging disc and discovers all he can about his options.
The spinal column is made up of twenty four segments better known as vertebrae. The first seven, named cervical, make up the neck, medically referred to as the cervical spine. The next twelve are designated thoracic and constitute the center back, or thoracic spine. The last five are named lumbar, and comprise the low back, or lumbar spine. Except for the first two cervical vertebrae, a spinal disc connects vertebrae together to offer structure, stability, flexibility and resistance from trauma.
The disc is a fibrous joint whose outer aspect is constructed of a series of concentric rings having fibers which angle in an alternating fashion. This is known as the annulus fibrosus. The inner portion is known as the nucleus pulposus and has a jelly like consistency that can withstand considerable hydrostatic pressure. It is the critical part that helps distribute weight placed on the spine, and is the part that can break through and lead to the physical disk bulge.
Orthopedic surgeons use several terms to describe the varying level of disc bulging. If the nucleus bulges in a broad fashion and the outlying annulus rings remain unchanged, it is known as a broad based disc bulge. When the bulge is more narrow, it is called a focal disc bulge. If the outer annulus fibers have broken, allowing a portion of the bulge to pass through into the spinal canal, it is known as a disc prolapse. If the part of the nucleus breaks off the rest of the disc, it is known as a disc sequestration. As one can see, the question "what is a bulging disc" can have several results.
A herniated disc is diagnosed via MRI. Most disc herniations take place in the lower back and neck. This is mainly because they aren't stabilized by the ribcage as in the thoracic spine. The neck and lower back are more movable in different angles and thus experience more forces to their spinal discs. An MRI study will show the side view, or sagittal, that can clearly indicate the extent of disc herniation. Doctors are interested in the size of the herniation, where it is present, and whether or not it is contacting nerve tissue. The upper view, or coronal view will allow the doctor to see the spaces where nerve roots branch from the spinal cord and travel down to the extremities (arms and legs). Doctors are concerned if the bulge is encroaching or partly encroaching either of these canals.
So, instead of asking what is a bulging disk one ought to ask "when is a bulging disk regarded as serious?" Typically, any disc bulge that is bigger than five mm is considered clinically significant. Most people have some degree of disc bulging, that is normal because the disc's role is to support the weight placed on the spine. These kinds of bulges are not usually felt. Treatment for disc bulges ranges from simple back stretches, to spinal surgery. It all depends on the dimensions of the herniation and whether or not it is pushing on spinal nerves.
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