What does a broad based disc bulge mean?

A symmetrical bulging disc occurs when disc expands its borders equally in every direction. A protrusion, on the other hand, is when the disc’s border expands in one direction. If this bulge involves 25 to 50 % of the disc’s circumference, it’s considered a broad-based protrusion.

Is broad based disc bulge painful?

A disc bulge might be associated with pain but this will depend a number of things such as if a sudden tear has occurred, if there is inflammation, if the bulge combines with other components to narrow spaces for nerves, if there is damage to the ‘endplates’ that are on the top and bottom of the disc etc.

Is a bulging disc serious?

Is it serious? Bulging disks increase the likelihood of a herniated disk, which can be painful, affect mobility, and limit a person’s daily functioning and quality of life. Bulging disks can also lead to weakness or numbness in the legs and poor bladder control.

How do you fix a bulging C6 disc?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery involves removing the C5-C6 intervertebral disc to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or C6 nerve root. The disc is replaced by an implant or bone graft, allowing biological fusion of the adjacent C5 and C6 vertebrae.

What happens if a bulging disc goes untreated?

If a bulging disc is untreated, the symptoms will become worse as the constant pressure on the nerve intensifies the sensations. This can also cause issues with walking, and even while holding objects, as the pressure impedes the ability of the nerves to transmit information properly.

How do doctors treat bulging discs?

Injections. If rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy don’t help with your pain, your doctor can inject a steroid medicine into the space around your spinal nerve. This is called an epidural injection. The steroid can help bring down the swelling, help you move more easily, and ease pain from a herniated disk.

Which is worse bulging or herniated disk?

Herniated discs are considered more severe than bulging discs because they put significant pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause intense pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement.

Is a bulging disc considered a disability?

A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The Blue Book is the official listing of all of the conditions that qualify a person to receive disability benefits.

Is a bulging disc in neck serious?

A bulging disc in your neck may be relatively painless. Or it can cause severe pain in your neck, as well as your shoulders, chest, and arms. It may also cause numbness or weakness in your arms or fingers. Sometimes, this pain and numbness may even cause you to think that you’re having a heart attack.

Is surgery necessary for bulging disc in neck?

Most disc bulges can be treated without resorting to surgery, which is preferable in cases where it is possible. However, it is relatively more likely for a cervical disc bulge to require surgery, because the location of the bulge sometimes makes the condition more urgent.

When should I be worried about a bulging disc?

Protruding discs that have worsened to the point of herniation or rupture may cause severe symptoms that require immediate medical care. Contact a medical provider if you experience pain or numbness that affects your ability to function or walk, or changes in your bowel and bladder function.

Should you have surgery for a bulging disc?

Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven’t helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.

What does it mean when your foraminal disc bulges?

A foraminal herniated disc may also be known by several other terminologies, including a foraminal disc bulge or foraminal disc protrusion. These herniations are similar to paramedial herniated discs, in that they bulge off center to the left or to the right.

What causes a narrowing of the C6-C7 spinal segment?

Spondylosis. Spondylosis or chronic degeneration of the vertebrae, disc, and other structures in the spine is common at the C6-C7 level. 4 Spondylosis may result in stenosis or the narrowing of the intervertebral foramina or spinal canal due to the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes).

What are the symptoms of a C6 C7 disc injury?

Common Symptoms and Signs Stemming from C6-C7 A vertebral and/or disc injury at the C6-C7 motion segment may cause immediate or delayed symptoms. A dull ache or burning pain may occur in the lower cervical area, often accompanied by neck stiffness. When the C7 nerve is compressed or irritated, additional complaints may follow, such as:

When does a disc have a broad based bulge?

A disc is bulging when over 50 percent of the disc material’s circumference is overextended. A disc has either a broad-based protrusion or a bulge, but not a broad-based bulge, according to the Laser Spine Institute.