The two names are used to indicate severity. A bulging disc may not have much material escaping the disc, wheras a herniated disc will have a large amount of spill. A third term prolapsed disc also exists indicating significant loss of disc fluid.

Between the ages of 40-60 sties have shown approximately 8% of the population have symptomatic disc bulge.Between the ages of 20-40 less than 3% of the population have been shown to have symptomatic disc bulge.

Less than 1% of the population are estimated to suffer from symptomatic bulging discs in the neck (cervical spine). Peak incidence occurs between the ages of 40-60.

Disc bulges can be highly variable. Many individuals with disc bulges seen on MRI may not experience any symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, they can lead to significant pain and disability.

Common signs of a symptomatic disc bulge include:

• Weakness in the arms or legs due to spinal nerve compression or irritation.
• Radiating pain, such as shooting pain in the arms or legs (radiculopathy).
• Intense back pain or shooting pain down the leg (sciatica), often extending to the calf.
• Neck pain, tingling, or numbness.
• Limited neck mobility (wry neck).
• Muscle spasms in the neck, arms, back, or legs, caused by inflammatory chemicals affecting the nerves.

A bulging disc often resolves within two years, with most of the disc material being naturally reabsorbed by the body. Research shows that 83% of large bulges improve, with an average 64% reduction in size. Important factors for healing include:

• Shrinkage Time: Most bulging discs shrink within two years, and early intervention and movement can speed up this process.
• Persistent Pain: Pain lasting beyond two years may stem from inflammatory chemicals damaging tissues like ligaments and nerves, leading to arthritis or nerve dysfunction.
• Activity: Staying active is key. Prolonged bed rest or opioid use can extend the pain, so gentle movement like walking or swimming is recommended.
• Reoccurrence: Once reabsorbed, a bulging disc rarely returns, though chronic pain may occur if managed incorrectly.

The majority of disc bulges are conditions that will become non symptomatic within 6-24 months – if you keep moving. Serious disc bulges include conditions where bladder and bowel control are affected and paralysis of the legs are present. If you experience low back/neck pain or shooting pain in the extremities – it is important to consult a health professional that deals with these conditions.

No, herniated discs are usually not permanent. Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges shrink within two years.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Disc Shrinkage and Reabsorption

    ◦ The disc material from a bulging disc is broken down and reabsorbed by the body over a period of months. This process leads to the shrinkage of the disc bulges.

    ◦ For massive disc bulges, 83% have shown a complete and sustained resolution of symptoms, with an average volumetric reduction of 64% in size within two years. The extruded material can be reabsorbed by the disc, dehydrate, or be digested by an inflammatory response.

• Factors Influencing Recovery and Persistent Pain

    ◦ While the physical bulge tends to resolve, ongoing pain beyond this two-year period is typically linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals from the early acute stages. These chemicals can compromise slow-healing tissues such as ligaments and nerves, leading to secondary issues like arthritic changes (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction, and central sensitization (where the body becomes efficient at generating pain). Ligaments, for example, can take years to recover from even minor insults.

    ◦ Effective movement strategies and early intervention can drastically reduce the healing time.

    ◦ Extended bed rest and the use of opioids for pain relief have been shown to significantly prolong the duration of bulging disc pain, potentially turning months into years. This is because movement is needed to remove inflammatory chemicals with blood flow, especially during the acute phase when these chemicals are most destructive.

    ◦ Reversing disc degeneration and promoting healing within the inner annulus and nucleus is an extremely slow process, if possible at all, primarily due to the low cell density in these areas.

• Reoccurrence

    ◦ An already irritable disc bulge is unlikely to reoccur after three years once the bulge has been reabsorbed. However, chronic low back pain can still persist if incorrect management strategies, such as extended bed rest or opioid use, led to damage to tissues like ligaments, nerves, and vertebral joints when the injury first occurred.

In summary, while the physical protrusion of a herniated disc typically resolves over time, often within two years, the long-term absence of pain and full recovery depend significantly on the initial management of the condition and the prevention of secondary tissue damage.

Absolutely yes. If a bulge is large enough it can press on multiple regions of the spine and cause referred pain, weakness, numbness down both legs.

Usually – yes.

Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges have shrunk within 2 years. Ongoing pain after this time is usually linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals compromising tissues in the early acute stages causing – ligament damage, arthritic change (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction and central sensitisation (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain). Effective movement strategies and low level laser are proven to reduce destructive inflammatory chemical that damage slow healing soft tissue such as nerves and ligaments.

Absolutely yes. Nerve compression from L1-3 often radiates into the groin. Your Myotherapist should be able to provide treatments and exercises to rapidly reduce discogenic pelvic pain.

A bulging disc is a common cause of sciatica, which is characterized by shooting pain, tingling, and numbness radiating from the lower back into the legs. When a disc bulges, its contents press against spinal nerves, causing pain, weakness, and sometimes paralysis down the leg. Common symptoms include radiating pain, leg weakness, and back pain. The disc’s nucleus also releases chemicals that irritate surrounding nerves, leading to inflammation. However, many people have disc bulges without symptoms. If you experience sciatica, it’s important to consult a Myotherapist for assessment and treatment.

It is easy to irritate symptomatic disc bulge by performing movements that irritate the tissues. Finding out which movements are therapeutic and which inflammatory is one of the best ways to speed recovery. Consult with your Myotherapist early.

A bulging disc typically shrinks within two years, with most of the disc material being reabsorbed by the body. Studies show that 83% of large disc bulges resolve, with an average size reduction of 64%. Key factors for healing include:

• Shrinkage Timeline: Most bulges shrink within two years, a process that can be sped up with early intervention and movement.
• Ongoing Pain: Pain beyond two years may be caused by inflammatory chemicals affecting slow-healing tissues, leading to arthritis or nerve damage.
• Exercise: Staying active is important. Avoiding bed rest or opioids is critical, as they can extend pain.
• Recurrence: Once reabsorbed, bulging discs rarely recur, though chronic pain can result from improper initial treatment.  Seek a qualified professional such as a Myotherapist to assess and resolve your bulging disc.

Dizziness is not a standard symptom of disc bulge. Theoretically a disc bulge in the neck can be so painful that the pain signals are perceived by other nerves in the head such as the vestibulocochlear nerve (the balance/hearing nerve). This cross talk is unlikely and if you are experiencing dizziness suddenly you should immediately seek out a GP.

Absolutely. Any irritation of the vertebrae of the neck can cause cervicogenic headache – a type of headache caused by irritable nerves in the neck. Another possible headache trigger caused by a bulging disc in the neck could be a simple tension headache. Seek out your Myotherapist for rapid resolution of cervicogenic and tension headaches.

Usually – yes.

Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges have shrunk within 2 years. Ongoing pain after this time is usually linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals compromising tissues in the early acute stages causing – ligament damage, arthritic change (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction and central sensitisation (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain). Effective movement strategies and low level laser are proven to reduce destructive inflammatory chemical that damage slow healing soft tissue such as nerves and ligaments.

Usually – yes.

Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges have shrunk within 2 years. Ongoing pain after this time is usually linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals compromising tissues in the early acute stages causing – ligament damage, arthritic change (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction and central sensitisation (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain). Effective movement strategies and low level laser are proven to reduce destructive inflammatory chemical that damage slow healing soft tissue such as nerves and ligaments.

This is highly variable.  IT is common for people to have disc bulges on MRI and report NO symptoms.  However symptomatic disc bulge can cause significant pain and dysfunction.

Typically symptoms of disc bulge include:

• Weakness in the arms or legs from spinal nerve compression or irritation.
• Radiating pain – shooting arm pain or shooting pain down leg (radiculopathy)
• Severe back pain and or shooting pain down leg (sciatica) – shooting pain is frequently felt in the calf also.
• Neck pain or tingling/numbness in neck
• Inability to move the neck (wry neck)

Muscle Spasm – in the neck, arms or back and legs (caused by inflammatory chemicals saturating the nerves)

Yes. Any paralysis should be treated as a life threatening emergency – call 000 immediately.

Disc bulge is a common cause of sciatica. The bulging material comporesses nerves as they exit the spine (or the spine itself) and this causes sensations, such as numbness, tingling, pain and even weakness or paralysis down the leg.

It is easy to irritate symptomatic disc bulge by performing movements that irritate the tissues. Finding out which movements are therapeutic and which inflammatory is one of the best ways to speed recovery. Consult with your Myotherapist early.

Usually – yes.

Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges have shrunk within 2 years. Ongoing pain after this time is usually linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals compromising tissues in the early acute stages causing – ligament damage, arthritic change (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction and central sensitisation (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain). Effective movement strategies and low level laser are proven to reduce destructive inflammatory chemical that damage slow healing soft tissue such as nerves and ligaments.

Dizziness is not a standard symptom of disc bulge. Theoretically a disc bulge in the neck can be so painful that the pain signals are perceived by other nerves in the head such as the vestibulocochlear nerve (the balance/hearing nerve). This cross talk is unlikely and if you are experiencing dizziness suddenly you should immediately seek out a GP.

Absolutely. Any irritation of the vertebrae of the neck can cause cervicogenic headache – a type of headache caused by irritable nerves in the neck. Another possible headache trigger caused by a bulging disc in the neck could be a simple tension headache. Seek out your Myotherapist for rapid resolution of cervicogenic and tension headaches.

Yes, a bulging disc can often be resolved, with most bulges shrinking within two years. Studies show the disc material is reabsorbed by the body, leading to a reduction in size. 83% of massive disc bulges show symptom resolution, with a 64% average reduction in volume. Key factors influencing healing include:

• Shrinkage Timeframe: Most disc bulges shrink within two years, faster with early intervention and movement.
• Persistent Pain: Ongoing pain beyond two years may result from inflammatory chemicals affecting slow-healing tissues, leading to arthritis or nerve dysfunction.
• Movement: Staying active is crucial. Bed rest or opioid use can prolong pain.
• Reoccurrence: Once reabsorbed, bulging discs rarely reoccur, though chronic pain can persist if mismanaged.

Yes, a bulging disc can usually be cured, or more accurately, the majority of disc bulges shrink within two years. Studies have shown that the disc material is broken down and reabsorbed by the body over a period of months, leading to the shrinking of the disc bulges.

However, the complete and sustained resolution of symptoms has been observed in 83% of massive disc bulges, with volumetric analysis showing an average reduction of 64% in size.

Factors related to healing and long-term outcomes:

• Timeframe for Shrinkage: The majority of disc bulges are expected to shrink within two years. This timeframe can be significantly reduced with appropriate movement strategies and early intervention.
• Persistent Pain: Ongoing pain beyond this two-year period is typically linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals from the early acute stages that compromise slow-healing tissues like ligaments and nerves. This can lead to arthritic changes (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction, and central sensitization (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain).
• Role of Movement: Keeping active is crucial. Extended bed rest and the use of opioids for pain relief have been shown to significantly prolong the duration of bulging disc pain, potentially turning months into years. Finding an enjoyable exercise that doesn’t cause pain, such as swimming, walking, or cycling, is recommended, especially during the acute phase when inflammatory chemicals are most destructive. Fast walking is considered generally therapeutic due to pain-reducing inflammatory chemicals, tissue load sharing, more upright posture, gentle motion, reduced spine loads, and greater core activation from arm swing.
• Reoccurrence: An already irritable disc bulge is unlikely to reoccur after three years, as the bulge would have been reabsorbed by then. However, low back pain can become chronic after disc bulges if inflammatory chemicals damage tissues like ligaments, nerves, and vertebral joints, often due to an incorrect management strategy, such as extended bed rest or opioid use, when the injury initially occurred.

Yes, a disc bulge can cause significant pain and dysfunction. It is common for people to have disc bulges on MRI scans and report no symptoms, but symptomatic disc bulges can lead to considerable discomfort.

The pain associated with a disc bulge occurs because the liquid contents of the disc can press against the spine or spinal nerve roots. This pressure initiates an inflammatory process that can be destructive to surrounding tissues like ligaments and nerves, leading to long-standing pain. Nerve endings are sensitive to chemical mediators released during tissue damage and inflammation. Mechanical compression can also cause edema inside nerve root sheaths, leading to bilateral sensitivity and central sensitization.

Common symptoms of pain and discomfort from a disc bulge include:

• Radiating pain, such as shooting arm pain or shooting pain down the leg (radiculopathy).
• Severe back pain or shooting pain down the leg (sciatica), often felt in the calf. Sciatica specifically involves shooting pain or tingling from the low back into the gluteal muscles, thigh, and sometimes the calf and foot.
• Numbness or tingling in the lower half of the body, arms, or legs. An electrical or stabbing quality to back pain often indicates nerve compression.
• Muscle tightness and spasm in the neck, arms, back, or legs, caused by inflammatory chemicals saturating the nerves.
• Pain during movement transitions, like sitting to standing or lying to sitting, or when rolling over in bed.
• Pain when bending forward or from prolonged sitting.
• Weakness in the arms or legs due to spinal nerve compression or irritation.
• Neck pain or inability to move the neck (wry neck) if the disc bulge is in the cervical spine.

It’s important to note that disc degeneration and herniation can occur without symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, they can be significant.

Yes. Any paralysis should be treated as a life threatening emergency – call 000 immediately.

A bulging disc can lead to sciatica, a condition marked by sharp pain, tingling, and numbness radiating from the lower back into the legs. When the disc bulges, its fluid presses on spinal nerves, causing leg pain, weakness, and sometimes paralysis. Symptoms include shooting pain down the leg, severe back pain, and leg weakness due to nerve compression. The disc’s inner material can also irritate surrounding nerves, causing inflammation. While some people have disc bulges without symptoms, if you experience sciatica-like pain, seeking treatment from a Myotherapist is an excellent option to resolve symptoms.

Usually – yes.

Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges have shrunk within 2 years. Ongoing pain after this time is usually linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals compromising tissues in the early acute stages causing – ligament damage, arthritic change (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction and central sensitisation (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain). Effective movement strategies and low level laser are proven to reduce destructive inflammatory chemical that damage slow healing soft tissue such as nerves and ligaments.

Usually – yes.

Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges have shrunk within 2 years. Ongoing pain after this time is usually linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals compromising tissues in the early acute stages causing – ligament damage, arthritic change (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction and central sensitisation (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain). Effective movement strategies and low level laser are proven to reduce destructive inflammatory chemical that damage slow healing soft tissue such as nerves and ligaments.

It is possible – but it takes a long time. Multiple studies have shown that the majority of disc bulges have shrunk within 2 years. Ongoing pain after this time is usually linked to destructive inflammatory chemicals compromising tissues in the early acute stages causing – ligament damage, arthritic change (osteoarthritis in the joints), nerve dysfunction and central sensitisation (neuroplastic change where the body becomes efficient at making pain). Effective movement strategies and low level laser are proven to reduce destructive inflammatory chemical that damage slow healing soft tissue such as nerves and ligaments.

Whaterver makes you happy and doesn’t increase pain.  World leading authority Prof Stuart McGIll cites fast walking as generally therapeutic regardless of the direction of disc bulge.

The reasons are:

• reduction of pain generating inflammatory chemicals
• tissue load sharing
• more upright posture
• gentle motion
• reduced spine loads and greater core activation from fast arm swing.

These benefits do not occur during slow walking or mall strolling, which often makes symptoms worse because of insufficient core activation and increased spinal pressure.

Whaterver makes you happy and doesn’t increase pain.  World leading authority Prof Stuart McGIll cites fast walking as generally therapeutic regardless of the direction of disc bulge.

The reasons are:

• reduction of pain generating inflammatory chemicals
• tissue load sharing
• more upright posture
• gentle motion
• reduced spine loads and greater core activation from fast arm swing.

These benefits do not occur during slow walking or mall strolling, which often makes symptoms worse because of insufficient core activation and increased spinal pressure.

The recovery from a bulging disc largely depends on the injury‘s severity, as well as whether the individual stays active or relies on opioids. Prolonged bed rest and opioid use can significantly extend the pain, while staying active and using proper movement strategies can speed up recovery. Studies show that most disc bulges shrink within two years, but early intervention can reduce this time frame. Persistent pain beyond this period is typically caused by inflammatory chemicals that damage tissues like ligaments, nerves, and joints, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis and nerve dysfunction. Your myotherapist will determine effective movement strategies, and use evidence based treatments such as low-level laser therapy to reduce these harmful chemicals, and accelerate tissue healing.

Studies have shown that over a period of months disc material is broken down and reabsorbed by the body. This means that over time disc bulges shrink. Pain becomes chronic – when people do not find the best movement strategy to optimise this re-absorption process and allow their muscles to atrophy. Early movement strategies reduce destructive inflammation that lead to chronic pain caused by damage to slow healing tissue such as ligaments, joints and nerves.

Healing Over Time

Most bulging discs shrink within two years, with large ones reducing by up to 64%. Most symptoms improve or disappear entirely.

However this time can be radically shortened.

Professional Help

• A Myotherapist or Remedial Massage Therapist assesses your posture and movements to identify pain triggers and suggest corrective actions.

Movement & Posture

• Stay active with activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. Avoid prolonged bed rest and opioids.
• Walk fast to reduce pain-causing chemicals and promote spinal health.
• Use proper “hip hinging” to reduce stress on your spine when bending.
• Vary sitting positions and avoid sitting for too long.
• After waking, avoid bending for 1-2 hours to protect your sensitive spine.

Targeted Exercises

• Abdominal & Glute Exercises: Strengthen core and glutes to protect and stabilize your back.
• Core Stability: Planks and push-ups help maintain spine support.
• Endurance Over Strength: Build endurance, which is more protective for your back.

Manual Therapy & Other Techniques

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques ease pain and improve movement.
• Nerve Glides & Laser Therapy: These help reduce nerve irritation and inflammation.

• finding what positions increase pain
• finding out which movements reduce pain
• manual therapy to reduce muscle guarding
• nerve glides to reduce neural inflammation and improve blood flow
• electro needling (if necessary) to calm angry inflamed pain generating nerves – stopping shooting pain down the arm or legs)
• a program of movements designed to improve muscular endurance and for low back pain gluteal function (low back pain inhibits gluteal function increasing load on the injured low back muscles

A bulging disc can cause pain depending on its location and the nerves involved. While some bulging discs don’t produce symptoms, others can cause significant discomfort.

• General Symptoms: Bulging discs can lead to weakness, muscle spasms, and nerve irritation due to spinal compression or inflammatory chemicals.
• Neck & Arms: Cervical bulges can result in neck pain, tingling, or arm pain, and may also cause discogenic wry neck or cervicogenic headaches.
• Lower Back & Legs: Most commonly, bulging discs affect the lower back (L4/5, L5/S1), causing back pain and radiating leg pain (sciatica). Compression at L1-L3 may cause groin pain, and large bulges can lead to weakness or numbness in both legs.

The recovery time depends on severity and whether the person stays active. Prolonged bed rest and opioid use can significantly lengthen pain and dysfunction. Studies show that most disc bulges reduce within two years – this can be significantly shortened  with early movement based strategies. Chronic pain beyond this period is caused by inflammatory chemicals damaging tissues during the early stages (a consequence of prolonged bedrest), leading to ligament injury, osteoarthritis, nerve problems, and central sensitization (where the body becomes more sensitive to pain). A myotherapist will determine an effective movement strategy and utilize techniques such as low-level laser therapy – which help reduce these harmful chemicals, supporting the healing of soft tissues like nerves and ligaments.

Here’s how bulging discs heal and the treatments used to help:

Healing Process & Treatment Strategies

To heal a bulging disc, your therapist will help you with a treatment plan based on your needs. This often includes:

1. Professional Help

o   A Myotherapist or Remedial Massage Therapist will assess your posture and movements, find what causes pain, and suggest ways to move that are easier on your back.

2. Movement & Posture

o   Keep Moving: It’s important not to stay in bed or take opioids for long. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can help.

o   Walking Fast: Experts recommend walking fast because it reduces pain-causing chemicals and helps your spine.

o   Hip Hinging: Learn to bend at the hips instead of your lower back to reduce stress on your spine.

o   Changing Sitting Postures: Don’t sit in one position too long. Change it often to avoid putting too much strain on your back.

o   Morning Routine: After waking, avoid bending for 1-2 hours as your spine is most sensitive in the morning. A short walk helps.

Targeted Exercises

• Abdominal Exercises: Learning to engage your core helps protect your spine.
• Glute Exercises: Strengthening your glutes helps stabilize your hips and protect your back.
• Core Stability: Doing exercises like planks and push-ups strengthens your core, which supports your spine.
• Endurance Over Strength: Focus on building endurance first, as it protects your back better than strength training.

Manual Therapy & Other Techniques

• Manual Therapy: Your therapist may use hands-on techniques to ease pain and improve movement.
• Nerve Glides: These exercises help reduce nerve irritation and improve movement.
• Laser Therapy & Electro Needling: These can reduce inflammation and calm nerve pain.

Healing Over Time

Most disc bulges shrink within two years, and large ones can reduce by up to 64%. Most symptoms completely disappear.

Usually – yes by:

• finding what positions increase pain
• finding out which movements reduce pain
• receiving manual therapy to reduce muscle guarding
• using nerve glides to reduce neural inflammation and improve blood flow
• applying electro needling (if necessary) to calm angry inflamed pain generating nerves – stopping shooting pain down the arm or legs)
• following a program of movements designed to improve muscular endurance and for low back pain gluteal function (low back pain inhibits gluteal function increasing load on the injured low back muscles

A bulging disc occurs when the nucleus inside an intervertebral disc pushes out, causing the outer wall to bulge, typically in the lumbar spine (L4-L5, L5-S1). It results from aging, poor posture, or repetitive strain, leading to tissue fatigue and pressure on nerves. Symptoms include back pain, radiating pain, tingling, weakness, and movement difficulties. Severe cases may cause bladder or bowel issues. Risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, and repetitive bending or twisting. A bulging disc differs from a herniated or prolapsed disc in the degree of material escaping, with the latter involving more fluid loss.

Signs and Symptoms of a Symptomatic Bulging Disc:

• Pain

◦ Severe back pain.

◦ Radiating pain (sciatica) down arms/legs, sharp or burning.

◦ Neck pain or tingling/numbness (cervical spine).

◦ Pain during movement transitions (sitting, standing, bed).

◦ Pain when bending or prolonged sitting.

◦ Stabbing pain or night pain (needs immediate assessment).

• Sensory Changes

◦ Tingling/numbness in body or extremities.

◦ Hypersensitivity to non-painful stimuli.

◦ Electrical sensation (often sciatica).

• Motor Changes/Weakness

◦ Weakness in arms/legs.

◦ Muscle spasms, wry neck, or foot drop.

• Emergency Signs

◦ Loss of bladder/bowel control (cauda equina syndrome).

◦ Paralysis of the legs (life-threatening).

• A bulging disc occurs when the soft inside part of a spinal disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes out, causing the outer wall (annulus fibrosus) to bulge.
  Disc Anatomy:
  • Spinal discs are fluid-filled cushions between vertebrae.
  • The nucleus pulposus absorbs pressure, and the annulus fibrosus protects the disc.
  How It Happens:
  • Over time, the disc’s outer layer weakens, allowing the inside to push out, pressing on nerves and causing pain.
  Common Locations:
  • Most bulging discs occur in the lower back (L4-L5, L5-S1).
  Causes and Risk Factors:
  • Repeated strain, sitting too long, or being overweight can lead to bulging discs.
  Symptoms:
  • Back pain, sciatica, tingling, weakness, and pain with movement.
  • Serious cases may cause loss of bladder/bowel control or leg paralysis.
  Bulging vs. Herniated Disc:
  • A bulging disc has less material escaping, while a herniated disc loses more.

A disc bulge happens when the outer part of a vertebral disc weakens, allowing its soft, fluid-filled center to push out. Discs sit between the bones in your spine and act like cushions. They are made up of the center (nucleus pulposus) and the outer ring (annulus fibrosus). A disc bulge can happen because of aging, sitting for long periods, lifting heavy things, or doing the same movements over and over. When the disc weakens, its soft center can press on nerves, causing pain. This pressure or the chemicals released from the disc can cause long-lasting pain. A “disc bulge“ is less severe than a “herniated disc,“ where more of the disc material leaks out. Disc bulges often happen in the lower back, and many people may have them without feeling pain.

Common symptoms of a symptomatic disc bulge typically include:

• Weakness in the arms or legs due to spinal nerve compression or irritation.
• Radiating pain, which can manifest as shooting arm pain or shooting pain down the leg (radiculopathy). This includes sciatica, a type of radicular pain characterized by shooting pain or tingling from the low back into the gluteal muscles, thigh, and sometimes the calf and foot. Sciatica can also cause shooting pain frequently felt in the calf.
• Severe back pain.
• Numbness or tingling in the affected extremities (arms or legs) or the lower half of the body.
• A sharp burning pain.
• A shooting “electrical” sensation. This electrical quality often suggests nerve compression.
• Muscle spasm in the neck, arms, back, or legs, which is caused by inflammatory chemicals saturating the nerves.
• Pain in movement transitions, such as sitting to standing, or lying to sitting.
• Pain when rolling over in bed. This can indicate instability where joint micromovements cause sharp pain when muscle stiffness isn’t controlling the spine.
• Pain while on the toilet.
• Pain when bending forward.
• Pain from prolonged sitting.
• Hypersensitivity to non-noxious stimuli, such as superficial hand contact.

For disc bulges in specific areas:

• A bulge in the neck (cervical spine) can cause neck pain, tingling or numbness in the neck, pain radiating down the arms, or an inability to move the neck (wry neck). It can also potentially cause headaches, known as cervicogenic headaches, or tension headaches due to nerve irritation in the neck. Dizziness is not a standard symptom, but severe pain could theoretically be perceived by other nerves, such as the vestibulocochlear nerve.
• Bulges in the low back (lumbar spine), particularly at L4-L5 and L5-S1, are the most common sites for disc herniation and associated pain. These can cause weakness, radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down the legs. If a bulge is large enough, it can affect multiple regions of the spine and cause referred pain, weakness, or numbness down both legs

• Weakness in the arms or legs from spinal nerve compression or irritation.
• Radiating pain – shooting arm pain or shooting pain down leg (radiculopathy)
• Severe back pain and or shooting pain down leg (sciatica) – shooting pain is frequently felt in the calf also.
• Neck pain or tingling/numbness in neck
• Inability to move the neck (wry neck)
• Muscle Spasm – in the neck, arms or back and legs (caused by inflammatory chemicals saturating the nerves)

The majority of bulging discs are caused by accumulated low load trauma – repetitive load maintained for a long time. An analogy is a little like metal fatigue – fold a piece of tin repeatedly and eventually the fold weakens.   People statistically at risk of disc bulge:

• Are sedentary – spending more than 6 hours per day sitting
• Carry extra weight
• Spend 2 hours a day or more in a vehicle (vibration while seated increases the likelihood bulging a disc)

Are aged between 40-69

The majority of bulging discs are caused by accumulated low load trauma – repetitive load maintained for a long time. An analogy is a little like metal fatigue – fold a piece of tin repeatedly and eventually the fold weakens.   People statistically at risk of disc bulge:

• Are sedentary – spending more than 6 hours per day sitting
• Carry extra weight
• Spend 2 hours a day or more in a vehicle (vibration while seated increases the likelihood bulging a disc)

Are aged between 40-69

The majority of bulging discs are caused by accumulated low load trauma – repetitive load maintained for a long time. An analogy is a little like metal fatigue – fold a piece of tin repeatedly and eventually the fold weakens.   People statistically at risk of disc bulge:

• Are sedentary – spending more than 6 hours per day sitting
• Carry extra weight
• Spend 2 hours a day or more in a vehicle (vibration while seated increases the likelihood bulging a disc)

Are aged between 40-69

• A vertebral disc is a soft, fluid-filled cushion that sits between each vertebra. Over time, the disc may lose its flexibility due to aging, prolonged sitting (such as desk jobs, which put desk workers at higher risk for disc bulges), or frequent heavy lifting. This causes fatigue in the capsule wall, weakening it and allowing the disc‘s liquid contents to push out. The material then often presses against the spine or nerve roots, causing pain that can radiate into the arms or legs. This substance triggers an inflammatory response, which can damage nearby tissues like ligaments and nerves, leading to the persistent pain commonly associated with a disc bulge.

• A vertebral disc is a spongy fluid filled capsule that sits between each vertebra
• The capsule can lose its flexibility as a part of aging or by exposure to sustained postures over a long period (desk workers have a higher rate of disc bulge than manual workers), or from frequently lifting heavy loads.
• A type of tissue fatigue occurs in the capsule wall which creates a weakness that may allow the liquid contents to burst through.
• The paste inside then frequently presses against the spine or spinal nerve roots causing pain the refers down the arms or legs.
• This paste will start a process of inflammation that is destructive to other types of tissues, such as ligaments and nerves.  Causing the long standing pain associated with disc bulge.

This is highly variable.  IT is common for people to have disc bulges on MRI and report NO symptoms.  However symptomatic disc bulge can cause significant pain and dysfunction.

Typically symptoms of disc bulge include:

• Weakness in the arms or legs from spinal nerve compression or irritation.
• Radiating pain – shooting arm pain or shooting pain down leg (radiculopathy)
• Severe back pain and or shooting pain down leg (sciatica) – shooting pain is frequently felt in the calf also.
• Neck pain or tingling/numbness in neck
• Inability to move the neck (wry neck)
• Muscle Spasm – in the neck, arms or back and legs (caused by inflammatory chemicals saturating the nerves)

A vertebral disc is a spongy, fluid-filled capsule that sits between each vertebra. Over time, the disc can lose its flexibility due to aging, prolonged exposure to sustained postures (such as desk work, which increases the risk of disc bulge), or frequently lifting heavy loads. This leads to tissue fatigue in the capsule wall, creating a weakness that allows the disc‘s liquid contents to push through. The material inside the disc then presses against the spine or spinal nerve roots, causing pain that can radiate down the arms or legs. The released material triggers inflammation, which can damage nearby tissues like ligaments and nerves, contributing to the long-lasting pain associated with a disc bulge.

• A vertebral disc is a spongy fluid filled capsule that sits between each vertebra
• The capsule can lose its flexibility as a part of aging or by exposure to sustained postures over a long period.
• A type of tissue fatigue occurs in the capsule wall which creates a weakness that may allow the liquid contents to burst through.
• The paste inside then frequently presses against the spine or spinal nerve roots causing pain the refers down the arms.

A disc bulge at L4-L5 affects the intervertebral disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae. These discs are spongy, fluid-filled cushions that absorb shock and provide stability. A bulge occurs when the outer disc wall weakens, often due to aging, prolonged postures, or heavy lifting. This weakness allows the disc‘s contents to push through, creating a bulge. While less severe than a herniated disc, the bulge can press on the spinal canal or nerve roots, causing pain. It may also release chemicals that irritate nerves and cause inflammation, further damaging tissues and leading to long-term pain. Symptoms include severe back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, leg weakness, and muscle spasms.

A vertebral disc is a spongy, fluid-filled cushion located between each vertebra. Over time, the disc‘s capsule can lose its flexibility due to aging, prolonged postures (like sitting at a desk), or frequent heavy lifting. This can lead to tissue fatigue in the capsule wall, creating a weakness that allows the disc‘s liquid contents to leak out. When this material escapes, it often presses against the spine or nerve roots, causing pain that radiates down the arms or legs. The released material also creates inflammatory chemicals that can damage tissues other than the ejected disc material, such as ligaments and nerves, resulting in the long-lasting pain associated with a disc bulge.

Myotherapy is an excellent choice for managing disc bulge pain. A myotherapy treatment involves assessing which positions worsen pain and which movements provide relief. It includes manual therapy to reduce muscle guarding and nerve glides to ease inflammation and boost blood flow. Electro-needling may be used when necessary to calm irritated nerves and stop sharp, radiating pain in the arms or legs. The treatment also includes a targeted exercise program to build muscular endurance and restore proper gluteal function, which is often reduced by low back pain—placing extra strain on the injured area.

A myotherapy treatment involves identifying positions that increase pain and movements that help reduce it. It includes hands-on manual therapy to ease muscle guarding, as well as nerve glides to reduce neural inflammation and improve blood flow. If needed, electro-needling may be used to calm irritated, pain-generating nerves and help stop shooting pain down the arms or legs. The treatment also includes a tailored movement program to improve muscular endurance and restore gluteal function, which is often weakened by low back pain—placing extra stress on already injured lower back muscles.

A vertebral disc is a spongy, fluid-filled structure located between each vertebra. Over time, it can lose its flexibility due to aging, prolonged postures (such as those common in desk jobs), or frequent heavy lifting. As a result, the capsule wall may weaken, leading to tissue fatigue that allows the inner fluid to push through. This material can then press on the spine or nerve roots, causing pain that radiates down the arms or legs. The fluid also triggers inflammation, which can damage surrounding tissues like ligaments and nerves, contributing to the chronic pain often associated with a disc bulge.

You should NOT consider surgery unless you have had serious debilitating pain that does not respond to movement for more than 12 months.  The literature is clear – early surgery is not a good option for the majority of bulging discs and usually leads to chronic pain states.

If you experience paralysis or are unable to walk.

A bulging disc can cause pain in various locations, often dependent on where the disc is located and which nerves are affected. While it’s possible to have disc bulges without symptoms, a symptomatic bulging disc can lead to significant pain and dysfunction.

Here are the typical areas where a bulging disc can cause pain and associated symptoms:

• Low Back and Lower Extremities

    ◦ Bulging discs most commonly occur in the low back (L4/5 and L5/S1), leading to low back pain and shooting pains down the legs.

    ◦ Sciatica is a common type of radicular pain caused by a bulging disc. This involves shooting pain or tingling that radiates from the low back into the gluteal muscles, thigh, and sometimes into the calf and foot. The shooting pain is frequently felt in the calf.

    ◦ Nerve compression from L1-L3 can cause pain that radiates into the groin.

    ◦ If a disc bulge is large enough, it can press on multiple regions of the spine, causing referred pain, weakness, or numbness down both legs.

• Neck and Upper Extremities

    ◦ Less commonly, bulging discs can occur in the neck (cervical spine).

    ◦ In the neck, they can cause neck pain or tingling/numbness in the neck, and pain that radiates down the arm.

    ◦ A bulging disc in the neck can also lead to a condition called discogenic wry neck, which is an inability to move the neck in a certain way.

    ◦ Irritation of the neck vertebrae from a disc bulge can cause cervicogenic headaches or simple tension headaches.

• General Symptoms

 Regardless of the specific location, disc bulges can cause weakness in the arms or legs due to spinal nerve compression or irritation.

    ◦ Muscle spasm can also occur in the neck, arms, back, or legs, often caused by inflammatory chemicals saturating the nerves.

Bulging discs can occur anywhere in the spine.  They most commonly occur in the low back L4/5 L5/S1 – causing low back pain and shooting pains down the legs.  They also occur less commonly in the neck wher they can cause pain to radiate down the leg and a condition called discogenic wry neck – an inability to move the neck a certain way.

A Myotherapist is a perfect clinician to resolve bulging disc rapidly.  Your Myotherapist will:

• find what positions increase pain
• find out which movements reduce pain
• provide manual therapy to reduce muscle guarding
• show you nerve glides to reduce neural inflammation and improve blood flow
• use proven techniques such as electro needling to reduce shooting pain down the arms or legs
• develop a program of movements designed to improve muscular endurance and (for low back pain) gluteal function (low back pain inhibits gluteal function increasing load on the injured low back muscles).

The majority of bulging discs are caused by accumulated low load trauma – repetitive load maintained for a long time. An analogy is a little like metal fatigue – fold a piece of tin repeatedly and eventually the fold weakens.   People statistically at risk of disc bulge:

• Are sedentary – spending more than 6 hours per day sitting
• Carry extra weight
• Spend 2 hours a day or more in a vehicle (vibration while seated increases the likelihood bulging a disc)

Are aged between 40-69

The majority of bulging discs are caused by accumulated low load trauma – repetitive load maintained for a long time. An analogy is a little like metal fatigue – fold a piece of tin repeatedly and eventually the fold weakens.   People statistically at risk of disc bulge:

• Are sedentary – spending more than 6 hours per day sitting
• Carry extra weight
• Spend 2 hours a day or more in a vehicle (vibration while seated increases the likelihood bulging a disc)

Are aged between 40-69

The majority of bulging discs are caused by accumulated low load trauma – repetitive load maintained for a long time. An analogy is a little like metal fatigue – fold a piece of tin repeatedly and eventually the fold weakens.   People statistically at risk of disc bulge:

• Are sedentary – spending more than 6 hours per day sitting
• Carry extra weight
• Spend 2 hours a day or more in a vehicle (vibration while seated increases the likelihood bulging a disc)

Are aged between 40-69

The pain from a disc bulge arises from several mechanisms:

• Nerve Compression and Irritation: A weakened disc wall allows the disc contents to push through, pressing on spinal nerves and causing pain, often radiating.
• Inflammation: Escaped disc material releases chemicals that irritate nerves, causing inflammation and tissue damage, leading to long-lasting pain.
• Mechanical Compression and Edema: The bulge causes compression and swelling of nerve roots, leading to sensitivity and central sensitization.

Common symptoms include:

• Radiating pain (e.g., sciatica)
• Numbness, tingling, and muscle spasms
• Pain during movement or bending
• Weakness in arms or legs
• Neck pain in cervical disc bulges

Most lumbar herniations occur at L4-L5 or L5-S1. Pain varies by individual, requiring tailored treatment strategies.

The L5-S1 disc is one of the most common places for bulging or herniated discs. This is due to both general wear and tear on the spine and specific features of this area. At L5-S1, extra stress is caused by the angle of the bones and less support from nearby muscles. It also sits between a moving bone (L5) and a fixed one (S1), creating more pressure. Uneven joint angles, called facet tropism, can increase the risk of disc problems here.
Other causes include repeated small stresses over time, aging (which dries out and weakens discs), and too much pressure from bending, lifting, or twisting. Poor posture, long hours sitting (especially in cars), carrying extra weight, and spine injuries also raise the risk. Lastly, damage to the bone surface (endplates) can lead to disc bulging. All these factors make L5-S1 more likely to develop problems.

Discs burst they don’t move.

The majority of bulging discs are caused by accumulated low load trauma – repetitive load maintained for a long time. An analogy is a little like metal fatigue – fold a piece of tin repeatedly and eventually the fold weakens.   People statistically at risk of disc bulge:

• Are sedentary – spending more than 6 hours per day sitting
• Carry extra weight
• Spend 2 hours a day or more in a vehicle (vibration while seated increases the likelihood bulging a disc)

Are aged between 40-69

Recovery from a disc bulge depends on injury severity and early management. Bed rest and opioid use can greatly prolong healing and increase the risk of chronic pain. Most disc bulges shrink within two years, but timely movement-based therapy can speed this process. Persistent pain is often linked to inflammation in the early stages, which can damage ligaments, joints, and nerves, and cause central sensitization—where the nervous system amplifies pain. Low-level laser therapy and strategic movement reduce these damaging chemicals and support healing. Avoiding provocative movements and staying mobile are essential to promoting recovery and preventing long-term complications.

Healing from a disc bulge depends on how severe the injury is and how it’s managed. Avoiding activity and using opioids can delay recovery and increase long-term pain. Most disc bulges reduce in size within two years, but with early movement and proper care, this can happen faster. Lasting pain is often due to early inflammation that damages ligaments, joints, and nerves, sometimes leading to central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain. Movement and low-level laser therapy help control these inflammatory chemicals, aiding tissue repair. Staying active and avoiding bedrest are key to faster recovery.

Recovery time varies based on injury severity, activity levels, and opioid use. Extended bed rest and opioids often worsen and prolong bulging disc pain. Most disc bulges naturally shrink within two years, though early movement and proper treatment can shorten this. Chronic pain after two years is typically caused by early-stage inflammation damaging tissues, resulting in ligament injury, joint degeneration, nerve issues, and central sensitization—where the body becomes overly responsive to pain. Targeted movement strategies and low-level laser therapy are proven to reduce these harmful chemicals, promoting healing in delicate tissues like nerves and ligaments. Early, active management is essential.

Recovery depends on injury severity, activity level, and opioid use. Prolonged bed rest and opioids can significantly extend disc bulge pain. Most disc bulges shrink within two years, but early intervention and proper movement can speed this up. Persistent pain beyond two years often results from inflammatory chemicals damaging tissues in the early stages, leading to ligament damage, osteoarthritis, nerve dysfunction, and central sensitization (where the body becomes efficient at producing pain). Effective movement and low-level laser therapy help reduce these harmful chemicals, supporting healing in slow-repairing tissues like nerves and ligaments. Early, active care is key to faster recovery.

An already irritable disc bulge is unlikely to reoccur after 3 years when the bulge has been reabsorbed.

However pain in the low back may become chronic after disc bulges – especially if inflammatory chemicals damage tissues such as ligaments, nerves and vertebral joints.  Ongoing pain after 3 years is usually caused by an incorrect management strategy when the disc injury happened – such as extended bed rest and the use of opioids.

X-rays and CT scans are not sensitive to cartilage type tissues such as discs.  If you need to get imaging for a disc bulge you need an MRI.