A bulging disc is a disc that has expanded or lost its shape in the spine due to pressure from the surrounding vertebrae.

There are several factors that can put you at risk for a bulging disc, such as:

• Age
• Genetics
• Obesity
• Alcohol abuse
• Inactivity

The first two risk factors on this list are outside of your control. However, obesity is a risk factor that can be changed to improve not only your overall spine health but also your physical health in general.

Excessive body weight and a bulging disc

While it’s true that spinal disc problems are a natural part of aging, being overweight puts extra strain on your spine that could cause the discs to break down at an earlier age. Additionally, being overweight could be a sign that you’re not exercising regularly. Ideally, your spinal column needs the support of strong, flexible muscles to help carry the body’s weight; a lack of exercise leads to weaker and stiffer muscles, leaving your spine more vulnerable to injuries like a bulging disc.

Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly could help you avoid back pain, particularly in the lumbar region (lower back) because that is the area of the spine responsible for supporting most of the body’s weight. Pain in the lower back caused by a lumbar bulging disc or herniated disc can possibly be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening your core muscles.

Other lifestyle changes that may help you avoid back pain include:

• Learning and using proper techniques for lifting heavy objects
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of nutrition to support a healthy spine
• Quitting smoking
• Wearing proper shoes and other protective gear when exercising or participating in sports

Treatment for a bulging disc

While some lifestyle changes may help you avoid bulging disc causes, it is normal for your spinal column to degenerate after decades of supporting you as you sit, stand, walk, run, twist, lift and perform your daily activities.

If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, herniated disc, spinal arthritis or other chronic spinal condition, please contact USA Spine Care for information about our minimally invasive spine surgery to treat these conditions.

To date, we’ve helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain, many of whom were diagnosed with a damaged disc. If you are considering surgery for your bulging disc, we encourage you to research the benefits of our minimally invasive surgery and what makes our procedures a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery.

Our team will discuss our minimally invasive spine procedures that we specialize in, depending on the location and severity of your bulging disc. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of USA Spine Care and to take your next step toward wellness.

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