What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?
Center for Spine Care - Frequently Asked Questions About Bac...A bulging disc represents degenerative disc disease. The disc is showing signs of wear-and-tear. It is losing some of its fluid content and therefore, it is drying out. As it dries out, the disc tends to decrease in height, or it starts to settle. As it does this, the wall of the disc tends to bulge or buckle outward. It generally bulges in a symmetric manner, much like the side walls of a deflated automobile tire would tend to bulge outward in a symmetric fashion.
Related QuestionsBack Pain Frequently Asked Questions - Back Pain FAQ'sthe disc undergoes the natural process of degeneration, it loses the ability to retain the hydration necessary to support the spine. The result is a diffuse bulging similar to a tire that loses air pressure. In the case of the disc it is loss of hydraulic pressure. Another consequence of the degenerative process is the development of fissures or cracks that result from the desiccation of the disc.Related Questions
Chris Urban M.D.Loss of the normal structural integrity of the intervertebral disc can lead to either a bulging or herniated disc shape. Bulging discs are very common and develop in most individuals as we age. A disc bulge is a diffuse symmetrical swelling of the disc and is caused by early disc degeneration and collapse. Bulging discs rarely cause symptoms unless associated with spinal stenosis. In contrast, a herniated disc is one in which the outer layer of the disc, called the annulus, is incompetent.Related Questions
What is the difference between a slipped disc, a herniated disc or a bulging disc?
BodyZone -- Frequently Asked QuestionsThey are all the same thing. A herniated, slipped or bulging disc is like a bubble in the sidewall of a car tire. The jelly in the center of the disc pushes the weakened part of the disc outwards creating a bulge. This bulge can press on a nerve or other delicate spinal structures.
Related QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions about Cervical Spine SurgeryA bulging disc is a slight protrusion of the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) into the spinal canal. In a bulging disc, the annulus fibrosus (outer ring) has not been ruptured. A disc herniation is a large protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (center of the disc), which has burst through the annulus fiborsus (outer ring of the disc) into the spinal canal, invading the surrounding nerves and causing pain in the neck, shoulders or arms.Related Questions
What is a herniated disc?
Center for Spine Care - Frequently Asked Questions About Bac...A weakening of the disc wall, which we call the annulus, causes a herniated disc. The defect in the disc wall allows the central portion of the disc, called the nucleus, to be displaced from the central portion of the disc out into the spinal canal. The shape or the morphology of the disc herniation can vary. It can be just a slight focal defect in the disc wall, or the herniation may go trough the entire disc wall.
Related QuestionsChris Urban M.D.A herniated disc is an intervertebral disc that has an incompetent outer layer, called the annulus. Due to the weak surrounding architecture, it is possible for the inner disc material to squeeze out of the disc. Depending on the size and location of the herniated fragment, a patient may or may not become symptomatic. If the herniated disc material presses against a nerve root, it could cause leg pain or numbness.Related Questions
Advantage Health and Wellness CenterHerniated Disc is a generic term for more specific derangements. They are classified either as a bulge, protrusion or extrusion depending on the size, extent and location of the problem.Related Questions
Are bulging or herniated discs normal?
Center for Spine Care - Frequently Asked Questions About Bac...No, they are not normal. The normal shape or morphology of the disc is that it should be a uniform height with an abundant fluid content without any bulging of the disc wall into the spinal canal. A bulging disc reflects degeneration, which is physiologic (normal) process of aging, but the disc itself is not normal. It is showing signs of wear-and-tear. A herniated disc obviously is not normal. It is essentially a torn or broken disc.
Related QuestionsChris Urban M.D.intervertebral discs age, they often undergo degenerative changes that cause "bulging". In most cases bulging discs are considered normal because they do not cause symptoms. Many people are unaware that they have bulging discs. In some situations, such as spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease, a bulging disk may produce back or leg pain. It is essential to correlate a patient's history, physical examination, and imaging studies (MRI) to determine whether or not a "bulging disc" is normal.Related Questions
Are a bulging disc and herniated disc the same thing?
test2It is probably simplest to think of bulging and herniated as points on a continuum. When the disc between the vertebrae bulges enough to cause a tear on its surface and to put pressure on a nerve root or spinal cord, we call it herniated. That is generally the point at which patients experience back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. And that's the time to seek treatment.
Related QuestionsIs my bulging or protruding disc on my MRI a herniated disc?
Pain Care Boise - Frequently Asked QuestionsBy definition; bulging, protruding, prolapsed, extruding, and even sequestered discs are considered herniated discs. The more important question probably is: does the disc impinge upon a nerve root and/or spinal cord? Of coarse, whether or not the bulging or protruding disc is of significance also depends on the patient's symptoms.
Related QuestionsIs it true that a bulging disc can be normal?
Back Pain Frequently Asked Questions - Back Pain FAQ'sYes. Some discs bulge normally, as part of the normal variation that is part of being human (tall vs short). As we age, the surrounding supporting fibers tend to stretch. This will allow some bulging of the disc, without an injury, and without pain. Under normal conditions, our discs are designed to slightly bulge during normal activities. This allows our spine to absorb the tremendous forces we expose it to everyday.
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
Back Pain Frequently Asked Questions - Back Pain FAQ'sTypically, a herniated disc causes radiating leg symptoms. Generally, this is what people refer to as sciatica or radiculopathy. The herniated disc is defined by a disc where the outer lining has been torn, and the inner soft disc material has expressed out of the tear and compressed the adjacent nerve roots. This pressure on the nerve roots tends to cause not only low back pain but leg pain, as well.
Related QuestionsChris Urban M.D.A herniated disc is sometimes preceded by intermittent attacks of low back pain. When a disc herniation occurs, it often produces sciatica, which is pain that begins in the hip or buttock and extends down the leg. The pain may be associated with weakness, numbness, or burning in the leg and foot. Sitting, coughing, or sneezing often aggravates these symptoms. In rare circumstances a large disc herniation may cause difficulty with bowel or bladder control.Related Questions
What is the Treatment for a Herniated Disc?
Chris Urban M.D.There are several treatment options for a herniated disc. A nonoperative approach is successful in treating many small disc herniations. This includes a short period of rest followed by a conditioning program to improve muscle strength and aerobic conditioning. A variety of modalities are available to relieve the acute pain associated with a disc herniation. These include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and oral steroids.
Related QuestionsQuestion: Is a bulging or herniated disc causing my neck pain?
Neck Pain: Facts & FictionAnswer: While it is possible that a bulging disc is part of the problem, we now know that there is an even greater likelihood that it is not. The truth is, neck pain (and the associated symptoms of numbness, tingling or pain in the arm, shoulder or upper back) has many possible causes. Unfortunately, those other causes simply don't show up on any currently available diagnostic scans... but herniated discs do.
Related QuestionsWhat is the difference between a bulging disk, a slipped disk, and a herniated disk?
eOrthopodHave you ever heard of an X-stopper for spinal stenosis. My father called and said he's having surgery Monday to put an X-stopper in his spine. I went on-line but couldn't find anything to explain this. I'm 88-years old and lived a full life. The last two years I've had some back pain from spinal stenosis. Some days it's pretty bad. My son tells me that his daughter (my granddaughter) has spinal stenosis, too. Could she have gotten it from me? I thought this was an old age thing.
Related QuestionsWhat if the MRI Scan shows a herniated disc? What do I do then?
Low Back Pain Q&AIf you have a herniated disk, you should see a spine specialist. The doctor will first diagnose the cause of the problem. Unless there is severe pain or weakness, conservative care will usually be recommended. Exercise and pain medications are used first. Chiropractic or acupuncture may be helpful. If these do not help, a steroid shot may be advised. Surgery is usually the last resort.
Related QuestionsWhat causes a herniated disc?
Herniated DiscInjury to the spine. This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to bulge, break open, or break into pieces.
Related QuestionsHow is a herniated disc diagnosed?
Herniated DiscYour doctor may diagnose a herniated disc by asking questions about your symptoms and examining you. If your symptoms clearly point to a herniated disc, you may not need tests. Sometimes a doctor will do tests such as an MRI or a CT scan to confirm a herniated disc or rule out other health problems.
Related QuestionsCan a herniated disc be prevented?
Herniated DiscAfter you have hurt your back, you are more likely to have back problems in the future. To help keep your back healthy: Protect your back when you lift. For example, lift with your legs, not your back. Don't bend forward at the waist when you lift. Bend your knees and squat. Use good posture. When you stand or walk, keep your shoulders back and down, your chin back, and your belly in. This will help support your lower back.
Related QuestionsShould I have surgery for a herniated disc?
Herniated DiscA herniated disc usually is caused by wear and tear of the disc (also called disc degeneration). As we age, our vertebral discs lose some of the fluid that helps them maintain flexibility. A herniated disc also may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc.
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