Difference Between a Bulging and Herniated Disc

What is the difference between a bulging and herniated disc?
Short answer: A bulging disc is one in which the tough outer layers of the disc simply bulge into the spinal canal. A herniated disc is one in which the disc has cracked and some of the soft inner part has leaked out.

Long Answer: discs act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They’re composed of a tough outer layer of cartilage that surrounds a softer material in the center. It may help to think of them as miniature jelly doughnuts, exactly the right size to fit between your vertebrae.

A bulging disc simply extends outside the space it should normally occupy. The bulge typically affects a large portion of the disc, so it may look a little like a hamburger that’s too big for its bun. Usually bulging is considered part of the normal aging process of the disc and is therefore common to see on MRIs.

A herniated disc, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer material inside to protrude out of the disc. Herniated discs are also called ruptured discs or slipped discs.

Bulging discs are more common, while herniated discs are more likely to cause pain. But many people have bulging discs or herniated discs that cause no pain whatsoever.

If you have any questions leave us a comment or contact us at zerospinepain.com

Image and article from mayoclinic.com

Tags: Back Pain, Bulging Disc, Herniated Disc, Medical Questions, medical terms, Slipped Disc