Bulging Disc Vs. Herniated Disc: What's The Difference?
What is a herniated disc? When a disc herniates, the soft nucleus spurts out through a tear within the annulus. Because there is limited space in the spinal canal, it can compress a nerve root or the spinal cord. The nucleus can extrude into the spinal canal, foramen, on either side of the disc or in rare cases, in multiple places called multifocal extruded discs. Typically, a disc that herniates is within the final stages of degeneration. Although herniated discs can occur anywhere in the spine, they are more common in the lumbar region. Herniated discs are also known as disc extrusion, slipped disc, or ruptured disc. What is a bulging disc? Unlike a herniated disc, when the nucleus breaks through the annulus, a bulging disc protrudes outward with the outer layers of the annulus remain intact. However, because the disc protrudes into the vertebral canal, it can still compress a nerve root. A disc bulge is also called disc prolapse. Types of Herniated and Bulging Discs Herniated and Bu