A herniated or bulging disc is when the inner portion of the disc pushes the annulus outward or through the outer portion.
Your discs act like shock absorbers in between the bones of the spine. They have an inner portion called the nucleus pupulsus which is composed of a jelly like substance and an outer portion, called the annulus, composed of several layers of tough fibers.
How do you know if you’ve had a herniated disc? Signs and symptoms of disc problems include:
• Neck or lower back pain
• Radiating pain into arms or legs
• Weakness in the extremities
• Difficulty or pain on motion
• Tingling in hands or feet.
TREATMENT
A herniated disc is a serious condition and requires long term treatment. Spinal Disc Decompression Therapy is the most effective way to treat a herniated disc, although other techniques may be employed.