Disc bulging and the more severe disc herniation are common problems experienced by tens of millions of Americans of all ages. Following prolonged pressure or instability of the spine, these bulges may occur without a specific history of a back injury. However, hundreds of thousands of patients each year do suffer sudden spine injuries such as car accidents that lead to disc herniation.

The mechanism behind disc bulges involves the development of weakness or breaks in the tough outer protective layer of the spinal disc. Once the outer coating of the disc is compromised, the inner jelly-like shock absorber portion of the disc may begin to push outward, creating a bulge seen on MRI. Once a disc herniation or significant bulge pushes far enough into the spinal canal or neural foramen, it may exert considerable pressure on either the spinal cord or nerve roots. If the pressure is high enough, the nerve tissues will begin to malfunction and produce a wide variety of symptoms. The most commonly reported early symptoms include increased sensitivity in the extremities, numbness, tingling, or mild muscle weakness of the arms or legs.