While some people mistake herniated discs from bulging discs, they’re different back disc problems. With a herniated disc, the tough membrane surrounding your disc is ruptured, allowing the soft substance to leak through.

If you have a bulging disc, you have a bulge along the circumference of one of your discs but the tough membrane hasn’t ruptured. These bulges often appear along the rear and side portions of your discs, placing pressure on the nerve and creating pain.

Bulging disc symptoms may include:

• Burning
• Difficulty walking
• Heaviness
• Numbness
• Pain
• Tingling
• Weakness

Depending on the location of your bulging disc, you may experience these symptoms in different regions of your body. For instance, if your bulging disc is in the lumbar region, you may experience these sensations in your lower back, legs, buttocks and feet. If it is in your cervical region, you may experience these symptoms in your neck, arms or hands. In some cases, you may even encounter them in your head.

Age, neck strain, back strain, injuries from accidents or falls and genetic factors can cause bulging discs. Conventional treatments for bulging discs include:

• Physical Therapy

• Chiropractic care
• Cryotherapy
• Spinal decompression therapy
• Stretching exercises
• Weight loss
• Rest
• A period of not lifting heavy objects or engaging in demanding physical activities
• Lifestyle changes