What Happens When A Bulging Disc Ruptures

The sciatic nerves pass through the buttock down the leg and into the foot.

What happens when a bulging disc ruptures. Bulging discs are very common and you can usually get back to normal day to day within just a few weeks. While they both affect the discs in your spine bulging discs and herniated discs are not two terms for the same condition. Ruptured disc a ruptured disc can be considered as the end stage in the developmental process of a disc herniation unlike bulging or protruding discs which are contained disc disorders where in the nucleus pulposus is still confined within the annulus pulposus a ruptured disc involves the creation of a tear in the outer fibrous ring that causes disc material to protrude further into the. You ve probably heard the terms bulging disc and.

Herniated discs are common in the lower part of the spine but they can develop in the cervical neck and thoracic mid back spine as well. However now the nucleus of the disk often compresses. Don t worry when it. Disc ruptures in the low back typically affect the sciatic nerve roots that exit the spine on either side of the discs.

More severe disc ruptures can result in weakness in the muscles in your arms or legs as a result of pressure on the nerves controlling those muscles. A bulging disc is usually diagnosed through a scan such as an mri from your doctor or physiotherapist. In extreme cases they can cause loss of control over your bowel and bladder. Signs and symptoms depend on where the disk is situated and whether the disk is pressing on a nerve.

Any disc bulge creates a weakness in the annulus fibrosus compromising its structural integrity. When the disc ruptures through its annulus the back pain often subsides significantly. This can be compared to an abscess or boil which when popped feels much better. Only exceptional cases require invasive treatments such as surgery.

Here s what you should know about each. This weakness can be exploited by progressive degeneration over time or with significant trauma to the affected area. Most disc ruptures occur in spinal discs which are already herniated. What is a herniated disc a herniated disc occurs when an intervertebral spinal disc becomes damaged from increased pressure causing the disc s inner gel like center nucleus pulposus to seep out and irritate surrounding nerves.

Inconsistent diagnostic terminology can cause confusion about the seriousness of and prognosis for disc bulges.