Do You Have Back Pain?
Understanding the variations of disc conditions can help you become more aware of what type of pain you are experiencing.
Even though sometimes bulging discs are interchangeably used with herniated discs and tears in the annular, there are some distinct differences you should know about.
Annular Tears
Annular fibers are located in the outer part of the discs on your spinal column. The inner part of the disc that contains fluid is called the nucleus. Tears may cause lower back pain.
Causes of Annular Tears
Over time, the discs become worn and more susceptible to tearing. The lower back area also known as the lumbar spine is a common place where tears occur.
Bulging Discs
A bulging disc is when the outer cartilage of the disc becomes damaged. The disc bulges to one side and causes pain or a tingling sensation in that area.
A disc that bulges has a larger disc circumference than a disc that is herniated, by more than 25 percent. Compared to a normal disc, a bulging disc typically extends no more than 3 millimeters. Bulging discs are also less painful than herniated ones, in general.
Causes of Disc Bulging
The center layer dries out due to age resulting in a larger gap between the spine and the disc.
Herniated Disc Protrusion
A disc protrusion pushes beside the nerves but the disc itself and connected ligaments are not damaged. The outer disc layer is cracked causing the inside layer to protrude. The condition and accompanying symptoms may not worsen; however, it could develop into a disc extrusion or sequestration.
Herniated Disc Extrusion
The nucleus in the center of the disc goes through a tear or weakened area in the annulus. However, the soft fiber material attached to the disc remains intact. Your body’s immune system tries to protect you by attacking the leaking substance. Swelling and pain occur. Disc extrusion may resolve itself or develop into sequestration.
Herniated Disc Sequestration
This type of disc herniation is similar to a disc excursion in that the nucleus leaks. It is more advanced because the soft fiber material becomes disconnected from the disc. As a free fragment, it can lodge in a leg, lower part of the back or neck, for example. A common symptom is a pain in the affected area.
What Causes Disc Injury?
It is natural for disc material to wear down as we age. However, disc injury due to unnatural circumstances such as overstraining your back or neck can also occur. There are other common causes based on the type of injury to your disc too.
Causes of Disc Herniation
- Aging
- Car accident injuries
- Inactive lifestyle
- Lifting weights that are too heavy
- Not standing up straight
- Overweight
- Overworking back or neck
- Moving too quickly
- Smoking
- Twisting
Doctor recommendations may include spinal traction therapy, chiropractic treatments, and physical therapy. In addition, medicines reduce the pressure that causes pain such as anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and steroid injections. Lastly, if conservative methods fail to help, surgery may be advised.
Diagnosis
Getting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography scan (CAT/CT) scan, taking X-rays, and filling out a questionnaire detailing your symptoms and previous medical history will help determine which type of disc problem you have.
Get a Free Consultation
If you are experiencing any form of neck or back pain, there is no need to suffer in silence. Make an appointment with one of our skilled physical therapists and get on the road to a healthier you.