Many factors can cause a disc in the spine to bulge. In layman's terms, a bulging disc is often referred to as a pinched nerve, a herniated disc or a bulging disc. All of these terms reference a disc in the spine that has protruded from its normal position. A bulging disc is one that has protruded from its normal position and is pressing on a nerve, but it has not ruptured.
Bulging Discs Related to Age
One of the most common causes of a bulging disc is aging. Part of the normal process of aging involves losing some of the elasticity in the spinal discs. As the discs weaken from the loss of elasticity, they are prone to bulging. Another factor of age-related disc bulge is repetitive trauma. Consider what a lifetime of sitting, work, poor posture and accidents will do to the soft discs in the spine.
Bulging Discs from Poor Posture
Cervical, lumbar and thoracic discs all share a similar task. They distribute force and load, and cushion the spinal column. Poor posture, either in the neck or lower back, places the discs in a chronically compressed position, and over time the disc will bulge, causing pain and possibly damage to the spinal nerves. An easy-to-apply example is forward head posture; as the head leans forward or slumps, the discs in the neck are compressed backward, placing excessive strain on the disc. Over time, as this posture is repeated day after day, the disc begins to bulge and pain is experienced.
Bulging Discs From Dehydration
Believe it or not, but dehydration is a major factor in contributing to bulging discs. A cervical, thoracic or lumbar disc is made up of over 60 percent water. Factor in that most people are chronically dehydrated, and it's no wonder that bulging discs are so common.
