What Are the Side Effects of a Bulged Disk?

A bulged (or herniated disc) is a painful condition that may require surgery to correct. There are some side painful side effects associated with a bulged disc in the neck or in the lower back.

Identification

• A lumbar (or low back) bulged disc may occur when the gel-like substance between the discs of the spine protrudes. This may cause pressure on the nerve roots and cause pain.

Causes

• The two most common causes of a bulged disc are degenerative disc disease and trauma to the back.

Lumbar Bulged Disc

• Some side effects from a lumbar (or low back) bulged disc may be pain down the leg, muscle spasms and cramping, sharp pain, dull pain, sciatica, and weakness or loss of function of the leg. Activities like sneezing or coughing may cause an increase in pain.

Cervical Bulged Disc

• Side effects from a bulged cervical (or neck) disc may be pain down the arm, dull or sharp pain between the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers and tingling in the shoulder. The pain may be intensified with certain activities or movements.

Considerations

• Surgery is recommended for a bulged disc only when other treatments have failed to relieve the pain and restore function. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, to determine the course of treatment that is best for you.