What Are the Causes of Bulging Disks in Neck?

If one of the disks between the bones of the neck slides slightly out of place, the condition is referred to as a bulging disk, which is less severe than a ruptured or herniated disk. However, this condition can cause symptoms that include stiffness, swelling, difficult movement and pain, which may progressively worsen in some people, while others may have no symptoms at all. Fortunately, most of the causes of bulging disks in the neck are treatable or preventable with home or medical care.

• Anyone Can Develop a Bulging Disk in the Neck

Types

• Some of the causes of bulging disks in the neck result from existing medical problems such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. People may also experience a bulging disk in the neck due uncontrollable risk factors such as aging or a family history of bone or spinal disorders. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, intense exercise or traumatic injuries may also cause bulging disks in the neck.

Identification

• A physician diagnoses the causes of bulging disks in the neck by examining the patient and asking questions about the onset and intensity of the symptoms. The physician may order tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify both the cause and the location of the bulging disk. People going to the doctor or getting an MRI for other reasons may be diagnosed with a bulging disk that they never knew they had.

Significance

• A bulging disk in the neck can make movement of the head and neck painful and difficult, and the pain may spread into other parts of the body. The condition can also cause discomfort while sleeping or an inability to fall asleep. If causes such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis or osteoporosis are left untreated, complications such as worsening of pain, broken bones or even death may occur.

Considerations

• People who have medical problems such as temporomandibular joint syndrome or osteoarthritis may be more likely to have neck pain caused by a bulging disk. Bulging disks that result from arthritis or osteoporosis may worsen if the underlying condition is left untreated. People whose jobs involve physical labor may also experience a worsening of pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and back.

Treatments

• Many people with a bulging disk experience relief from their symptoms by taking pain relievers as recommended by a doctor. Some people may also need physical therapy, especially if the bulging disk was caused by an injury. People with severe conditions may require steroid medications or surgery to experience relief of their symptoms.

Prevention/Solution

• People with a bulging disk in the neck who spend long amounts of time sitting or standing in the same position should take breaks to move around and stretch. Using proper technique when playing sports, exercising or lifting can reduce pressure on the disks of the neck and back.