Is a bulging disc supposed to be painful?

Question

I was seeing an orthopedic specialist because my dr originally thought that I had hip displaysia but when the specialist did furhter testing, he saw nothing wrong with my hips and diagnosed me with a bulging disc which showed up on an MRI of my spine. But he more or less said that I shouldn't be feeling much pain if any and made feel completely stupid for going to him which wasn't my choice anyway. So i'm just wondering if this is normally painful or if there could be something else wrong.

I've been having this pain for about 9 years, however it got much worse when I was carrying my twins and now that they're 5 months old, its worse than its ever been. I can't go on bed rest because my husband is deployed so there isn't anyone to look after the babies and I really get worried because lately my right leg has been giving out under me and it happens a lot when i'm carrying my children but the dr. won't listen to me, he just keeps shrugging it off as nothing. I can't count how many times i've almost fallen down the stairs with my baby or babies in my arms because of my leg giving out with no warning. It really makes me mad and I don't know if i'm over reacting or not but I really want to call my insurance company and file a complaint on this dr. I don't even want to think about surgery as i'm really afraid of being put under not to mention the recovery period and right now i'm all that my kids have so I can't even consider it at this point. I just don't know what to do.

Answer 1

That doctor is wrong. Bulging discs can be extremely painful. Apparently he has never had one.

Answer 2

It largely depends on how big the bulge is, I've had a bulging disc for almost 20yrs, I do have pain, severe at times. I am disabled by my pain at this point, the doc is probably saying that he doesn't see the nerve/nerves being pinched off, and is treating you conservatively, surgery isn't always the answer, but pain is a signal in my way of thinking. Often times our hope as patients is that the doc will fix it and all will be okay, in the world of bad backs, that answer just isn't enough. I've seen orthopaedics, neurologist and all pretty much say the same, "you have to learn how to live with this", try physical therapy, try this and that. Once you have back problems, it seems to just keep on, and you do have to live with it, not much has changed as far as repairing the problem, some docs are afraid of prescribing pain meds because of misuse. I currently take Methadone for pain management, it works better than anything I've taken before, but you have to remember, I've had this pain for almost 20yrs, and they are just now being able to help me. Yes, it's normal to have some pain with a bulged disc, I'm gonna guess yours is in the lumbar region(low back), most people's back issues are, the only thing I can say is to try physical therapy, and modify the activities you participate in, things that make the pain worse. I've had two neck surgeries, fusing 3 levels, also have bulged discs in low back, and scoliosis in mid back. If you felt the doctor didn't take your complaint seriously, I would ask to see someone else, you should not be made to feel that your pain is no big deal. Good luck in your journey.

Answer 3

Many of these orthopedic specialists are not interested in your case unless you need surgery. Trust me, I have had 6 spine surgeries, so I speak from experience. Others are in a rush to operate when you actually don't need the surgery. I suggest you go for a second opinion. Look for a specialist that will actually listen to you. If you say you are in pain, then he should believe you. Your doctor needs to give you the appropriate exams to ensure theres no nerve involvement. Pain management, since there is no reason for a patient to be in pain. A good option for you is to go on bed rest for a few days.Then physical therapy can help. Back pain is unpredictable. You might have it now and in a few months it might go away completely.
Go for that second opinion. Women are still not respected by many of these doctors. Be assertive and request pain control.

Answer 4

Some are not bothered by bulging discs and otherwise wouldn't know they had one but for the MRI. Other people find them extremely painful. I have three herniated and one bulging at the moment. I had one more herniated but it has now deteriorated and is now not herniated as its gone almost completely. A good chiropractor is who you need to see. They can put this disc back in its place and rid you of the pain.Don't go to using pain meds, get to the root of the problem instead of masking the symptoms.

Answer 5

Oh my gosh you poor thing...........I don't know about bulging disks but I had a herniated one15 years ago. My left leg suffered paralysis. Couldn't wiggle any toes, if I laid on the floor and someone lifted that leg and let it go it just thudded to the floor. I have recovered from 2 caesarean sections and the pain from that herniated disc was excrutiating. I couldn't even bend over to cut toe nails or pull my jeans down. If a bulging disk is something that comes BEFORE a herniated disc, then you need to get a 2nd opinion fast. When you have twins and your leg is already giving out on you while you are carrying them then you need another diagnosis. Believe me , if you need bedrest the true friends and relatives will suddenly come out of the woodwork to help you with your children. If you ignore it, you will end up in the hospital anyway and someone will still need to take care of your kids. The best way to take care of your children is to ;take care of their Mom.

Answer 6

I too had a bulging disk that shouldn't have hurt. It became a herniated disk which the Dr admitted I may have pain. His first clue was my inability to sit down due to left leg pain. 3 surgeries later and my back is now fused. Get another opinion from a spine specialist.

Answer 7

That is simply ridiculous. For one thing a bulging disc can absolutely be very painful. For another thing, there is no way they can tell from looking at an MRI just how painful it is. Pain is subjective.

If they are seeing a bulge there is a very good chance for pain. Get a 2nd opinion.

Answer 8

Go see another doctor, if this is a W.C. case then they are just trying to push you out the door to save money. Get a copy of the MRI and go to see another specialist and I bet you get another opinion that says just the opposite.

Answer 9

Oh my....They hurt soooo bad. It gets worse as more of it bulges out. I don't mean to scare you but you need to get a 2nd opinion.