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Symptoms of a Bulging Disc

The discs between the vertebrae of the spine can bulge and press against the closest nerve. There is a disc between each of the vertebrae of the spine, and the symptoms depend on where the bulging disc is located.

  1. Nerve Pain

    • According to the Laser Spine Institute, the weak part of the disc is located next to a nerve root. Because the disc usually bulges at the weak spot, the nerve is often affected, causing pain wherever the nerve leads.

    Tingling

    • A bulging disc pressing against a nerve can cause tingling where the nerve leads, into the extremity such as the hand or leg.

    Numbness

    • When a bulging disc presses against the nerve, it can also cause numbness where the nerve leads. Prolonged numbness can be a sign of long-term damage.

    Localized Back Pain

    • Localized back pain can be a sign of a bulging disc, but is usually accompanied with nerve pain when caused by a bulging disc.

    Muscle Weakness

    • The disc pressing on the nerves can also cause muscle weakness. The muscles that are weakened depend on where the bulging disc is in the back.

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