Discs of the spine are located between the vertebrae and work as a cushion to absorb normal pressure placed on the body and spinal column. These discs also allow for spinal movement and flexibility. Discs may begin to bulge or slip out of place due to injury, deterioration or disease. Symptoms of a bulging disc vary depending on the location of the problematic disc and range from mild to severe.
Numbness
Individuals with a bulging disc may present with the complaint of numbness in various locations of their bodies. Numbness occurs as the disc presses against nerves. Bulges in the cervical spine may result in numbness in the upper extremities such as the arm, hand or fingers. Lower back disc bulges can cause numbness in the legs, feet and toes. This symptom may occur in one limb or bilaterally.
Weakness
Weakness is another symptom that is commonly associated with bulging spinal discs. This, too, is due to the pressure that is placed on the nerve structures of the spine. Individuals may experience a loss of strength and function in their extremities or even their neck and shoulders, depending on the location of the bulging disc. Activities such as walking, lifting or driving could be affected by increased weakness of the extremities. This could potentially be dangerous. Individuals with such symptoms may want to consult their physician prior to operating machinery.
Stiffness
Individuals with bulging discs may experience stiffness and limited mobility of the spine. Since the discs act as a cushion and promote flexibility and movement of the spinal column, if the disc is compromised or displaced, movement could be difficult, or in severe cases, impossible.
Pain
Pain is usually the initial and most commonly reported symptom associated with a bulging disc. Pain is not only felt at the site of the disc bulge; it can be experienced in other parts of the body as well. The term used to describe this is radiculopathy. Depending on the location of the compromised disc, individuals may experience pain in their arms, legs, hands or feet. Compression on the nerve is the cause of the pain.
