Lower Back Pains, Herniated and Bulging Disks

It seems like up until recently, the more people I have talked to, have had or suffers from back problems that include issues with herniated or bulgingh discs. Whats happening here? What does this even mean??

I did a little research to help everyone better understand what this type of injury means and what you can do to prevent injuries or help in rehabilitaitng current issues.

I went on to the Mayo CLinic's information URL and found the following article from Randy A. Shelerud, M.D.

Bulging and herniated disks
Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They're composed of an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center. It may help to think of them as miniature jelly doughnuts, exactly the right size to fit between your vertebrae.

A bulging disk extends outside the space it should normally occupy. The bulge typically affects a large portion of the disk, so it may look a little like a hamburger that's too big for its bun. The part of the disk that's bulging is typically the tough outer layer of cartilage. Usually bulging is considered part of the normal aging process of the disk and is common to see on MRIs of people in almost every age group.

A herniated disk, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disk. The protrusion of inner cartilage in a herniated disk usually happens in one distinct area of the disk and not along a large component of the disk, which is more typical of a bulging disk. Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks.

Bulging disks are more common. Herniated disks are more likely to cause pain. But many people have bulging disks or herniated disks that cause no pain whatsoever.


Preventing Back Pain and Injury

These are some very useful and simple things you can do to help prevent back pain or injury moving forward.

1) Practice proper posture when sitting at work, school, or your house.

2) Incorporate total core strengthening in your weekly workout routines, ensuring you are training the front, back, and sides of your abdominal and lower back regions.

3) Learn proper technique when lifting, moving, or carrying heavy weight or objects whether in the gym or at work.

4) Reduce your stress levels, as stress causes muscle tension and tightness, as a result causes pain or increases pain levels if it already exists.


If you have any further questions regarding lower back pains or disk issues, please feel to drop me a line and I will work with you any way I can.

Stay tuned this week for workouts to help strengthen your lower back muscles and increase your total core strength.

Reference - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/HQ00955