Your spine is one of the most remarkable structures in the human body — strong enough to support your entire frame, yet flexible enough to allow you to move, bend, and twist with ease. It’s made up of a series of bones called vertebrae, separated by soft, cushion-like discs that act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a tough outer shell (the annulus fibrosus) and a gel-like center (the nucleus pulposus) that allows the spine to flex and move smoothly while protecting the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.
Over time, these discs can start to wear down or shift out of place, especially due to aging, repetitive movements, poor posture, or traumatic injury. Everyday habits like prolonged sitting, improper lifting, or even long hours at a desk can place extra stress on the spine — leading to disc bulges or herniations that may cause back pain, numbness, or radiating discomfort in the arms or legs.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we understand how spine pain can affect every aspect of your life — from simple daily activities to your ability to rest comfortably at night. Our team of fellowship-trained specialists is dedicated to restoring your quality of life through minimally invasive spine care, regenerative medicine, and advanced pain management solutions. We focus on effective, evidence-based treatments that relieve pain and promote healing without unnecessary surgery or long-term reliance on medication.
A bulging disc occurs when one of the soft cushions between your vertebrae begins to protrude beyond its normal boundary. Unlike a herniated disc, the outer layer of the disc remains intact — meaning the inner gel-like center hasn’t leaked out. However, even this slight bulge can place pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal canal, leading to pain, stiffness, or other discomfort that can disrupt daily life.
As we age, our spinal discs naturally lose some of their flexibility and hydration, making them more vulnerable to wear and tear. But aging isn’t the only factor. Some of the most common causes include:
The symptoms of a bulging disc can vary depending on its location in the spine — whether in the neck (cervical region), mid-back (thoracic region), or lower back (lumbar region). You may notice:
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc — called the nucleus pulposus — pushes through a tear or weak spot in the disc’s tough outer layer. When this happens, the displaced material can press directly against nearby spinal nerves, often leading to more intense pain and neurological symptoms than a simple bulging disc.
Because of this nerve compression, a herniated disc can cause sharp, radiating pain that travels along the path of the affected nerve — such as into the legs (a condition known as sciatica) or into the arms and shoulders if the problem occurs in the neck.
While disc herniation can develop gradually as part of the aging process, it can also occur suddenly from trauma or overexertion. Some common causes include:
A herniated disc can cause a wide range of symptoms depending on its size and location. Common signs include:
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we believe that the best treatment is often the one that restores function while avoiding unnecessary surgery. Our patient-centered, minimally invasive philosophy focuses on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and helping your body heal naturally. Every treatment plan is customized to the patient’s specific condition, goals, and lifestyle — because no two spines, and no two patients, are exactly alike.
Below are some of the most effective non-surgical treatment options we offer for both bulging and herniated discs:
Targeted physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improving posture, balance, and flexibility. Our skilled therapists use specialized techniques, including myofascial release, to:
For patients seeking advanced healing without surgery, our regenerative medicine therapies — including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy — are designed to stimulate the body’s own repair mechanisms.
Our interventional pain specialists use precise, image-guided injections to target inflammation and nerve irritation at the source. Options include:
Spinal decompression therapy gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves, encouraging rehydration and alignment.
For short-term relief, our providers may prescribe non-addictive medications to reduce inflammation and control pain while you progress through your treatment plan.
While most patients experience significant relief through conservative therapies, some disc conditions may require surgical intervention — particularly when pain persists or nerve compression begins to affect strength, sensation, or mobility.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) techniques designed to relieve pain, protect healthy tissue, and help patients return to daily life faster than with traditional open procedures. Our approach focuses on precision, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery times — all performed in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.
A microdiscectomy is a highly targeted procedure that removes the small portion of a herniated disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve.
Endoscopic spine surgery uses advanced imaging and a tiny camera inserted through a small incision — often less than an inch wide — to visualize and treat spinal problems.
Our laser-assisted disc decompression technique uses a focused laser to carefully remove or shrink damaged disc material that is pressing on nerves.
Both bulging and herniated discs can cause significant pain and limit your ability to enjoy daily life — but with the right diagnosis and treatment approach, lasting relief is possible. Whether your condition stems from aging, injury, or lifestyle factors, the key to recovery lies in personalized, patient-centered care that addresses not only the source of pain but also the overall health of your spine.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we take pride in offering a holistic and minimally invasive philosophy that focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and helping your body heal naturally. From advanced regenerative therapies and precise interventional treatments to cutting-edge minimally invasive spine surgery, our team is committed to finding the least invasive, least drug-dependent solution that brings you back to your best self.
You don’t have to live with back or neck pain — expert, compassionate care is just one call away.
Marietta Ambulatory Surgery Center – (470) 795-8398
Snellville Ambulatory Surgery Center – (470) 795-8398
Kennesaw Clinic – (770) 545-6404
Buckhead PM&R – (770) 872-7549
🌐 Visit: www.mediciortho.com
📞 Main Contact: +1-844-328-4624
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We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.
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