The bones in a person’s neck, known as the cervical vertebrae, are probably the most crucial set of bones in a person’s body. From holding up a person’s head to allowing them to swivel 180 degrees, these bones perform a wide range of functions, which a lot of people take for granted on an everyday basis.
Standing in an incorrect stance for long periods and lifting heavier weights than the neck can handle are potential causes of severe injuries in the cervical vertebrae.
What Is a Bulging Disc?
Between the vertebrae in the neck and spine, there is a spinal disc that carries out the job of acting as a shock absorber. It also prevents the spine and neck from getting grievously harmed. It is important to note that sometimes, these discs may slip out from under their position and push in the spinal canal. When this happens, the person gets a bulging disc.
A bulging disc in the neck typically occurs when a spinal disc gets loosened from its place and starts to encroach upon the spinal cord. Usually, this encroachment causes no pain and cannot even be felt by the person.
However, if the person continues to put repeated exertion on the same spot, then they can have severe pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and arms. Having an untreated injury in the area can also contribute to a bulging disc.
What Are the Causes of a Bulging Disc?
A bulging disc is more common in the lower half of the spine, as that portion is generally weaker and more susceptible to the wear and tear of time. However, a bulging disc can also form in the upper half of the body or the neck. These usually occur due to wear and tear in the spinal cord owing to age-related issues or extreme workouts.
The General Causes for a Bulging Disc in the Neck Are:
• Straining one’s neck muscles beyond their capacity
• Injuring one’s neck but not getting adequate treatment for it
• Having poor posture or sitting in a damaging position for multiple hours in a day
• General inactivity and being seated in the same position for an extended amount of time
• Extra exertion of the cervical vertebrae through obesity (in the form of the increased weight of the head), leaving the cervical vertebrae more prone to injury and strain
• Natural decline in the body’s regeneration and healing ability as a result of aging. If a person maintains the same lifestyle as they did when they were younger, they are exposing their spine to more damage.
There are many treatments available for a bulging disc, including traditional rest and medicine, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is best advised to consult Dr. James to understand the best course of action for treating a bulging disc.
Set Up Your Consultation – Contact Us Today
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a bulging disc, schedule a consultation by contacting Advanced Spine & Orthopedics. Dr. Kevin James, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, will examine your neck, diagnose the issue, give you more information about the options available to you, and guide you to the best course of action.
