Bulging discs can be caused by degenerative spinal disease, age, and strain on the back. Prevention includes taking care of the body and spine, while treatment options vary depending on location and severity. Age, degenerative diseases, and certain jobs can increase the risk, while exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent it.
A number of things can cause bulging discs, ranging from degenerative spinal disease to age. Some of the potential causes are within the control of the individual, while others are not very easy to prevent, although taking care of the body and keeping an eye on the health of the spine can minimize the risk of developing this condition. In the event that a bulging disc occurs, a doctor should be consulted to discuss treatment options, as the condition of the spine can become problematic if ignored.
Doctors distinguish between bulging discs and herniated discs, but laymen often use the terms interchangeably. In both cases, the soft material discs that normally cushion the vertebrae shift, causing the disc to protrude from the spine. Herniated discs are characterized by a rupture of the hard outer membrane, causing the soft material inside to bulge out, while swollen discs remain contained, but are at risk of herniating. Some people have bulging discs and don’t realize it, while others experience pain when the disc presses on their nerves. Treatments for this condition vary depending on their location and severity.
One of the biggest risk factors for bulging discs is age. As people age, their bodies lose elasticity, and the membrane covering the soft material inside the disc can weaken, allowing the disc to bulge out. Older people are also more prone to tears in this membrane, also due to loss of elasticity.
Degenerative diseases are another major cause of this condition. Throughout a person’s life the spine is placed under a lot of strain and if a degenerative disease emerges, as is common in older people, it can put the discs in danger of bulging or herniating.
The strain on your back can lead to bulging discs. Some classic causes include stressful jobs that involve bending and stooping a lot, any career that involves heavy lifting, and jobs where people stand for long periods of time. In all of these cases, the discs can become serious problems if people persist in working through the pain, as exertion can increase the swelling or lead to other discs starting to bulge as well.
Height appears to be a risk factor, with taller people being more prone to bulging discs, and weight can also become an issue, as weight puts strain on the spine. Doing exercises that promote core strength and spinal flexibility appears to help with prevention, as does a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, as this can prevent or slow the onset of degenerative disease.
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