Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it true that a bulging disc can be normal?
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Dr. Brett Taylor
St. Louis, MOI consider lumbar degenerative disc changes part of the normal aging process. However, it is not normal for degenerative disc to be painful. In those circumstances treatment can be considered.
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Dr. Thomas Kleeman
Bedford, NHMost bulging discs are the natural result of disc degeneration. The diffuse nature of the bulge is rarely sufficient to cause symptoms unless it is associated with spinal canal narrowing or stenosis.
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Dr. Theodore A Belanger
Charlotte, NCMost people with bulging discs experience no pain. It is generally thought that a bulging disc alone is a normal part of the aging spine.
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Dr. Eung-Jun Cha
Bedford, INBulging discs are not normal--can result in herniated disc.
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Dr. George Frey
Englewood, COAs discs begin to gradually degenerate, which happens in all adults after approximately 30 years of age, a gradual bulging of the disc can and does occur. Bulging of the disc, therefore, is a normal part of disc degeneration. A bulging disc usually is not painful. It is only when this bulging disc is accompanied by other degenerative changes of the disc itself that pain tends to occur.
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Dr. Sylvain Palmer
Mission Viejo, CABulging discs are never normal. They represent degeneration of the disc with some softening of the annular tension. You can have a bulging disc, however, which is not causing any symptoms.
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Dr. Rick Sasso
Indianapolis, INIt is not normal to have a bulging disc, however, you may have a bulging disc without having any pain.
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Dr. Ezriel E Kornel
White Plains, NYPeople can have bulging discs without symptoms related to them. As people get older, discs degenerate from wear and tear and so people from their 50's on, often have at least one bulging disc.
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Dr. Jorge E Isaza
Baton Rouge, LABulging discs can be associated with degenerative changes in the spine. The degenerative changes are considered normal changes produced by the aging process, and, in that situation, bulging discs could be normal. Disc changes are caused by loss of water and metabolic changes within the disc structure, which translate into a decrease in the disc space with prominent ligaments or annulus. When this is associated with pain, it is usually abnormal.
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Dr. Jeffrey C Wang
Los Angeles, CAA bulging disc can be normal. There are many patients who develop some arthritis or small bulges in their discs and these patients have no symptoms. In these situations, even though the bulging disc is present, it does not appear to be causing any problems.
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Dr. Sebastian Lattuga
Rockville Centre, NYBoth disc bulges and disc herniations can be found in people without pain. There is an increasing incidence of herniations and bulges in people as they get older (presumably from increased wear and tear). Technically, bulges and herniations are not the "normal" state of the spine.
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Dr. Donald D Dietze Jr.
Covington, LABulging discs are not normal. However, we all develop bulging discs at some point in our lives. Therefore, it can be consider part of the "natural" wear and tear on disc. Bulging discs are generally not a source of pain.
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Dr. Jeffrey Goldstein
New York, NYBulging discs are never normal. They may represent degeneration or trauma of the disc with some softening of the annular tension. Depending on your age however, you can have a bulging or even a herniated disc which is not causing any symptoms.
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Dr. Kambiz Hannani
Los Angeles, CABulging discs are very common in the general population. This means that a bulging disc is usually normal and rarely causes any significant problems. If bulging discs are operated on without the proper diagnostic tests, the results are usually unsatisfactory because back pain is rarely caused by simple bulging discs.
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Dr. Dennis G Crandall
Mesa, AZAs the disk ages, it looses water content and becomes narrower. The narrowing of the disk is associated with a bulge in the containing fibers. This is part of the normal aging process and is not associated with back pain.
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Dr. Mark Rosenthal
Baltimore, MDYes. Some discs bulge normally, as part of the normal variation that is part of being human (tall vs short). As we age, the surrounding supporting fibers tend to stretch. This will allow some bulging of the disc, without an injury, and without pain.
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Dr. Kenneth A Pettine
Loveland, COThe answer is a resounding yes. Studies have shown that 50% of people over the age of 50 have bulging discs at multiple levels in their spine, but never report any symptoms other than the occasional backache following strenuous exercise.
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Dr. Robert S Pashman
Los Angeles, CABulging discs are very common and may not produce any symptoms.
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Dr. Thomas Zdeblick
Madison, WIYes. Over 50% of people past the age of 30 have bulging discs on their MRI and are considered to be a normal finding.
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Dr. W. Christopher Urban
Glen Burnie, MDAs intervertebral discs age, they often undergo degenerative changes that cause “bulging.” In most cases, bulging discs are considered normal because they do not cause symptoms. Many people are unaware that they have bulging discs. In some situations, such as spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, a bulging disc may produce back or leg pain. It is essential to correlate a patient’s medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies (MRI) to determine whether or not a “bulging disc” is actually normal.
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Dr. Andrew Glass
Someras Pt., NJUnder normal conditions, our discs are designed to slightly bulge during normal activities. This allows our spine to absorb the tremendous forces we expose it to everyday. However, any significant, persistent bulge present in the absence of applied forces (such as when we lay down), is not "normal." However, this bulge may possibly be entirely painless. It is well known that not all disc bulges are painful. Many people live with disc bulges and are entirely unaware of it because they have no pain.
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Dr. John S Shiau
Staten Island, NYThat is true. There have been studies that show if an MRI is taken of everyone in the world, the majority of people have some type of bulging disc. Not every bulging disc causes problems.
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Dr. Sean Salehi
Chicago, ILYes, a bulging disc can be part of the normal wear and tear of the body.
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Dr. Reginald Knight
Seattle, WAYes.
The commentary above recounts the experiences of these physicians. Medtronic invited them to share their stories candidly. Keep in mind that results vary; not every patient's response is the same. Talk with your doctor to learn more about any products that are mentioned above.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your doctor's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
