By 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.

the 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. See similar questions...

Herniated 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. See similar questions...

Yes. 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. See similar questions...

They are all the same thing. A herniated, slipped or bulging disc is like a bubble in the sidewall of a car tire. The gel 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. See similar questions...

Typically, 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. See similar questions...

No, they are not "normal" in that we are not born with herniated or bulging discs. They are very common and occur with age and natural dehydration and degeneration of the disc. MRI studies of asymptomatic patients showed that approximately 40% of the population has herniated or bulging discs. Your physician will determine is an MRI is necessary. See similar questions...

The presence of a disc herniation on an MRI is very common in people who aren’t experiencing any pain, with some studies revealing as many as 52% of all people may have a disc bulge or disc herniation present, yet they are pain and symptom free. It is important to correlate diagnostic imaging findings with what is found during the examination. See similar questions...

Injury 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. See similar questions...

Your 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. See similar questions...

After 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. See similar questions...

A 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. See similar questions...

A herniated disc is not a catastrophe. Annoying, certainly, but a condition with a favorable natural history. Many people feel that this is a serious injury that always needs an operation. In fact, over 90% of people who herniate a disc go on to uneventful recoveries without surgery and do quite well. A famous study done in 1983 compared patients with surgically treated herniated discs with similar patients treated non-operatively (Reference 1). See similar questions...

This is an excellent question, and there is a good answer. There are four reasons to seek a surgical solution: Cauda Equina Syndrome, a disorder affecting a bundle of spinal nerve roots, which is extremely rare and requires urgent surgery. This syndrome includes back and leg pain, weakness and numbness, and may be associated with problems with bladder and bowel function. Progressive strength loss. See similar questions...