Other Names for Bulging Disc: Bulging Disk, Slipped Disc, Buldging Disc, Disc Bulge.  Sometimes used interchangeably with Pinched Disc or Herniated Disc

Definition of Bulging Disc:
In between the vertebra of the spine are discs made soft spongelike material in a somewhat harder shell.   A disc bulge occurs when the disc pushes out of its normal space.  Some disc bulges go undetected for a long time and do not cause any trouble while others may shift to press against one or more nerves causing extreme pain, numbness and or tingling that sometimes radiates down the leg or even into the feet.

Symptoms
Any or all of the following:

• Pain or muscle spasm in the back, sometimes causing the spine to deviate.
• Pain into one (or very occasionally) both legs - especially if it seems to run down a line.  The pain can be constant or flare suddenly with movement. 
• Tingling or numbness in the buttocks, leg or foot.
• Weakness in the leg or foot

Caused By
Can be caused by a sudden trauma or injury, by prolonged sitting or incorrect posture, or by repetitive lifting or back strain

Identification and Diagnosis
Usually diagnosed based on symptoms and confirmed using an MRI or CT Scan

Treatment
Varies according to the size of the bulging disc and symptoms - bulging discs are often good candidates for non-surgical treatment - a doctor or PT can evaluate the prognosis based on an MRI or CT scan and based on how the patient responds to therapy.  Treatment can include Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Exercise, Chiropractor, Aquatic (water) Therapy, McKenzie Technique, Epidural Steroids, Pain Medication, and/or Spine Surgery

I have no relationship with the solutions I describe and created this site purely to inspire others to go take control of their own back care and to provide some ideas of treatments to discuss with your doctor. If you find this website useful, please add a link to it from your website or blog.