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 Bulging discs can occur within the Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar regions of the spine.

1.        Cervical disc herniation: This is often when a disc herniates within the neck. It is one of the foremost common causes of neck pain.

2.        Thoracic disc herniation: This is often when a disc herniates within the upper or mid-back.

3.        Lumbar disc herniation: This is often when a disc herniates within the lower back. It is a common cause of lower back pain.

Herniated and Bulging discs classified by the area of the disc they protrude into (herniation zone).

1.        Central: When the disc extrudes into the spinal cord.

2.        Subarticular (Lateral Recess or Paracentral): When the disc extrudes between the spinal cord and the foramen (space through which the nerves exit the spinal canal).

3.        Foraminal (Lateral): Disc extrusion into the foramen.

4.        Extraforaminal (Far Lateral): Disc extrusion beyond the foramen.

Causes of a Herniated Disc:

The most common explanation for disc herniation is age-related wear and tear. It is known as disc degeneration. As your body ages, the water content in your vertebral discs reduces, making them less flexible and more prone to tearing. Motions or movements like twisting, turning, or lifting also can cause a ruptured intervertebral disc. Although less common, an injury like a car accident or a blow to the rear can cause a ruptured intervertebral disc.

Causes of a Bulging Disc:

Like a ruptured intervertebral disc, the simple explanation for a bulging disc is degenerative disc disease. A bulging disc can occur by strain in the neck or back brought on by repetitive movements, lifting heavy objects and poor posture. This condition also can be caused by trauma like a blow to the rear, although this is often rare. The causes are:

•        Wear and tear caused by degenerative disc disease

•        Strain due to heavy lifting and repetitive movements

•        Poor posture while standing or sitting

Herniated and Bulging Disc Risk Factors include:

Men aged between 30 and 50 years are more likely than women to suffer a ruptured intervertebral disc. People, who have physically demanding jobs, like those which involves repetitive motion or work. Men and ladies who are obese or overweight are in danger due to the surplus weight on their spine. They are also more likely to possess an equivalent disc to herniate again. Smoking tobacco increases the risk of a herniated disc because nicotine reduces the blood flow to the vertebral discs & slows down the healing process. Your risk of a herniated or bulging disc increases if any of your parents suffer from these conditions.

Can a bulging disc become herniated?

Yes, a bulging disc can become a ruptured intervertebral disc. If you've got a bulging disc, you'll experience few or no symptoms. If the bulge worsens, symptoms will become more noticeable as it reaches the stage near or at herniation.

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