What does bulging of the annulus mean?
A bulging disc is a condition in which the nucleus (inner portion) of a spinal disc remains contained within the annulus fibrosus (outer portion), unlike a herniated disc in which the nucleus leaks out of the disc.
What does it mean when a disc is protruding?
“A bulging disc is like letting air out of a car tire. The disc sags and looks like it is bulging outward. With a herniated disc, the outer covering of the disc has a hole or tear. This causes the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like center of the disc) to leak into the spinal canal.”
What can you do for a bulging L4?
Nonsurgical Treatments for L4-L5
- Medication. Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to help relieve pain from L4-L5.
- Physical therapy. Exercise and physical therapy can be modified to specifically target pain stemming from L4-L5 and the lower back.
- Chiropractic manipulation.
- Self-care.
How do you treat an annular bulging disc?
Treatment Options Most annular tears improve and heal over time with rest, spine-specialized physical therapy, and over the counter anti-inflammatories. In some situations symptoms may warrant prescription strength anti-inflammatories or possible pain or muscle relaxant medication.
Is a bulging disc in back serious?
A bulging disk can push against the spinal cord and nerve roots, leading to severe pain and problems with mobility. Treatment may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and self-care. In severe cases, a person may need surgery.
Can a bulging disc get worse?
Do disc bulges get worse over time? Unfortunately if disc bulges are left untreated, and if the abnormal spinal stresses that caused them continue, they will often worsen over time. For the disc bulge or herniated disc to have any possibility of recovery, the instigating stress must be minimized.