A bulging disc is one of the leading causes of sciatic nerve pain, in this article I am going to explain why a slipped disc can cause sciatic pain. I will also go into the underlying causes of a bulging disc and the treatment you can get for it.
What is a bulging disc and how does it occur?
A bulging disc or a slipped disc ( referred to medically as a ‘herniatied disc) occurs. Discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, however as we grow older they become more and more fragile. It is usually in old age when a tear occurs in one of these discs causing it to bulge or break open. This is commonly referred to as a bulging disc.
The most usual causes for a slipped disc are wear and tear caused by old age because the discs are less and less flexible as we get older. When you are older even a simple motion can sometimes lead to a tear. Injury to the spine may also cause a herniated disc to occur and this often happens to sports players in contact sports.
How can it be treated?
Treatment is usually in the form of medication, exercise and conditioning to strengthen the area in which the symptoms have occured. This is also very important in stopping further slipped disc problems occurring in the future. In some extreme cases surgery may be an option, but this is always considered a last resort.
How can a bulging disc lead to sciatic nerve pain?
When a bulging disc puts pressure or pinches the area around the sciatic nerve then intense pain can be caused in the sufferer. The pain is usually the most intense in the leg. It can also lead to a numbness and a few other symptoms which i have gone into in this article on What Is Sciatica.