This causes the nucleus pulposus jelly-like center of the disc to leak into the spinal canal. Smith: As we age, our discs deteriorate and bulge downward, so bulging discs are usually caused by age-related degeneration.
Because it is considered degenerative, there is usually a progressive, gradual onset of symptoms. It can cause pain in the buttocks, legs, or back.
It can also affect your ability to walk. Bulging discs usually affect multiple discs. This condition develops over time and can cause other disc degeneration-related issues, like lumbar stenosis narrowing of spinal canal. Fortunately, there is a spectrum of treatment options. Short-term treatment can mean taking anti-inflammatory medications, especially during flare-ups. Steroid injections may be considered if there is significant nerve pain.
Long-term treatment usually involves a self-directed exercise program that you start with a physical therapist and then transition to doing at home. In severe cases, sufferers may experience bowel or bladder dysfunction. Degenerative changes in discs can cause spinal stenosis, but there are treatments available.
Depending on the severity, your doctor may recommend:. If you suffer from back or neck pain, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options custom-tailored to your underlying diagnosis. Spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease often coexist. Great treatment options are available. Living with the discomfort of osteoarthritis is challenging.
Learn more about how joint injections such as viscosupplementation therapy can help reduce pain and swelling, making it easier to function. If you love to travel but struggle with back pain, you may wonder how you can still get out and about.
Living with chronic back or neck pain is a real challenge. Learn more about whether you might be a candidate for spinal cord stimulation. But sometimes, you can do more damage waiting or trying to power through the pain. Based on the results of these tests and the severity of your symptoms, the doctor can make a diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment.
Sukdeb Datta would be happy to meet with you about your herniated disc symptoms. Skip to main content. Call Us Herniated Discs vs Spinal Stenosis There is a spinal disc between each of the vertebrae in the spine. Herniated Disc Symptoms The exact nature of herniated disc symptoms depends on the location of the disc and the severity of the herniation. Possible symptoms include: Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs Back pain Pain in the arms or legs Muscle weakness in the arms or legs If you have symptoms of numbness or tingling or muscle weakness, you should visit a physician promptly.
The types of spinal stenosis are classified according to where on the spine the condition occurs. It's possible to have more than one type. The two main types of spinal stenosis are:. When they do occur, they often start gradually and worsen over time. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the stenosis and which nerves are affected. As your spine ages, it's more likely to experience bone spurs or herniated disks.
These problems can reduce the amount of space available for your spinal cord and the nerves that branch off it. The backbone spine runs from your neck to your lower back. The bones of your spine form a spinal canal, which protects your spinal cord nerves.
Some people are born with a small spinal canal. But most spinal stenosis occurs when something happens to narrow the open space within the spine. Causes of spinal stenosis may include:. Most people with spinal stenosis are over the age of Though degenerative changes can cause spinal stenosis in younger people, other causes need to be considered. These include trauma, congenital spinal deformity such as scoliosis, and a genetic disease affecting bone and muscle development throughout the body.
Spinal imaging can differentiate these causes. Spinal stenosis care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
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