Bulging Disc Symptoms: Causes, Pain & Relief

The discs between the vertebrae of the spine can bulge and press against the closest nerve. There is a disc between each of the vertebrae of the spine, and the symptoms depend on where the bulging disc is located.

Nerve Pain

• According to the Laser Spine Institute, the weak part of the disc is located next to a nerve root. Because the disc usually bulges at the weak spot, the nerve is often affected, causing pain wherever the nerve leads.

Tingling

• A bulging disc pressing against a nerve can cause tingling where the nerve leads, into the extremity such as the hand or leg.

Numbness

• When a bulging disc presses against the nerve, it can also cause numbness where the nerve leads. Prolonged numbness can be a sign of long-term damage.

Localized Back Pain

• Localized back pain can be a sign of a bulging disc, but is usually accompanied with nerve pain when caused by a bulging disc.

Muscle Weakness

• The disc pressing on the nerves can also cause muscle weakness. The muscles that are weakened depend on where the bulging disc is in the back.