No, a pinched nerve doesn't cause a bulging disc; rather, a bulging or herniated disc is a common cause of a pinched nerve (radiculopathy), where the disc material pushes onto a nearby nerve root, leading to pain, tingling, or weakness. The disc bulges due to aging, dehydration, injury, or strain, and this bulging then compresses the nerve, creating the pinched nerve symptoms like sciatica.
Initial treatment for both a herniated disc or a pinched nerve typically involves non-surgical approaches, such as:
Symptoms of pregnancy related nerve compression syndrome
Tingling. Burning. Pain. Numbness.
Herniated Disc: A bulging or ruptured disc can press on nerves that connect to the stomach and digestive system, potentially leading to nausea. Degenerative Disc Disease: As discs deteriorate with age, pain and inflammation may contribute to feelings of nausea.
Both conditions can cause discomfort and potentially lead to nerve compression or irritation, but a herniated disc is generally considered more severe due to the direct exposure of the inner disc material.
Loss of bladder or bowel control : In rare cases where the disc bulge severely compresses the spinal cord, it can cause loss of control over the bladder or bowel function. This condition is called Cauda Equina. This requires immediate medical attention.
Medications, such as pain relievers (both over the counter and prescription), can help relieve discomfort from a pinched nerve. Steroid injections or oral corticosteroids can reduce swelling and inflammation, which reduces pain as a result. Surgery may be an option if these treatments fail to provide relief.
Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, legs, or feet. Trouble walking or standing for long periods. Most bulging discs can be treated with conservative methods. But, some symptoms need urgent medical care.
Seeking Medical Care for Herniated Discs
Emergency departments are equipped to handle acute symptoms and can facilitate urgent imaging and consultation with a spine specialist. For non-emergency symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a spine specialist can provide the necessary evaluation and treatment plan.
Heavy Lifting and Squats
Heavy lifting, especially with improper form, puts significant strain on your lower back. Squats, particularly those with weights, can compress the spine and aggravate a bulging disc. Instead, focus on lighter weights and exercises that do not stress your lower back.
Conditions often mistaken for a pinched nerve include muscle strains, herniated discs, arthritis (like bone spurs), muscle spasms, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, as they share symptoms like pain, tingling, or numbness, but differ in their underlying cause, requiring proper diagnosis for effective treatment.
If the pregnant woman is experiencing severe sciatic back pain and labor is near, the doctor may consider a termination by cesarean section. Natural childbirth in this case would be too much strain on the spine. A pregnant woman with sciatica may choose to give birth in water or in a squatting position.
While the symptoms commonly occur near the pinched nerve, its effects can radiate, causing discomfort in other parts of the body. A pinched nerve can cause referred pain, which is where your pain spreads beyond the immediate area of the nerve compression.
Surgery for a herniated disc is typically considered when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief after six weeks to three months.
Besides taking the pain medicines your health care professional recommends, try:
Most bulging discs don't cause symptoms. But if one puts pressure on a nearby nerve, you might feel: Achy or stiff back or neck. Radiating pain to arms or legs.
When the lumbar disc herniation is in an acute or semi-acute phase, the inflammation of the sciatic nerve is likely to become so disabling that the person cannot walk, and even standing becomes quite painful. If this sounds like your situation, we recommend rest until the inflammation subsides.
In the presence of a herniated/prolapse/ruptured/slipped disc, URGENT surgery (within 24-36 hours) is recommended for CAUDA EQUINA symptoms. These symptomsinclude but not limited to: Loss of bladder and bowelsensation or control (incontinence) Numbness in the perianal/perineal (saddle) region (private parts)
Arm or leg pain.
You might have pain in part of your foot as well. For a herniated disk in your neck, you'll typically feel the most pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain might shoot into your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze or move into certain positions. Pain is often described as sharp or burning.
The final and most severe stage is a herniated or sequestrated disc. In this stage, fragments from both the annulus and nucleus break through the posterior longitudinal ligament into the epidural space. These fragments are now outside the disc segment, compressing the spinal nerve.
Unlike a herniated disc, when the nucleus breaks through the annulus, a bulging disc protrudes outward but the outer layers of the annulus remains intact. However, because the disc protrudes into the spinal canal, it can still compress a nerve root. Disc bulge is also called disc prolapse.
The difference between a herniated disc and sciatica
As we mentioned above, it's possible for a herniated disc to cause no symptoms, though usually there's some pain, tingling, and weakness. Sciatica, on the other hand, is defined by its symptoms, particularly the pain's ability to travel.
An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your body's internal structures. When it comes to a pinched nerve, the MRI is exceptional at visualizing the soft tissues and bones that might be causing the compression.
Symptoms of a pinched nerve in the lower back include: A sharp pain in the back that may travel to your foot. This pain may become worse with certain activities like sitting or coughing.
Physicians may administer anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid injections to reduce swelling and pain. Supportive Care. Providing braces or support devices to limit movement and reduce pressure on the nerve, allowing it time to heal.