DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BULGING DISC AND A HERNIATED DISC

Is There a Difference Between a Bulging Disc and a Herniated Disc?

Bulging discs and herniated discs are very similar. As a matter of fact, some health care professionals use the terms “bulging disc” and “herniated disc” interchangeably. However, according to many experts, a few distinctions can be made between the two conditions.

In the spinal column, we have a stack of small bones called vertebrae that are separated by cushioning intervertebral discs. The discs are made up of a jelly-like inner area called the nucleus pulposus that is surrounded by an outer cartilage wall called the annulus fibrosus.

To better understand the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc, think of the discs as jelly-filled donuts. Typically, a disc will bulge when the wall of the disc becomes weak and extends beyond its regular boundary. Think of this as the donut flattening out in one area, causing it to have a longer circumference at its widest point. A disc herniation occurs when the outer wall of the disc tears, allowing the jelly-like fluid to seep out. Think of it as jelly being squeezed out through an opening in the donut.

What’s So Bad About a Bulging or Herniated Disc?

Many times, people with a bulging disc cannot even tell that a disc is bulging. This usually occurs because, while the disc may be extending beyond its normal boundaries, it isn’t rubbing against anything else in the spinal column. However, when discs bulge they can possibly touch or impinge a nerve root or the spinal cord. A bulging disc that impinges on a nerve can cause pain at the point of compression, as well as cause pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness to occur anywhere the nerve travels, such as the neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, chest, buttocks, legs, or feet.

When a disc herniates, the symptoms can be felt in two ways. The tear along the annulus fibrosus can cause localized pain in the neck or back at the site of the disc tear, as tiny nerves in the disc wall become irritated. Also, either the annulus fibrosus or the fluid from the nucleus pulposus can push on and irritate a nerve, which can cause symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and discomfort to be transmitted along the nerve.

What Should You Do About a Bulging or Herniated Disc?

If you have been experiencing unexplained pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or general discomfort, see your doctor and explain your symptoms. Your doctor will be able to provide a proper diagnosis for your condition, help you to better understand your condition, and explain the treatment options available to you.

Leg Pain from a Bulging Disc in the Back

Many people are surprised to learn that leg pain, and even foot pain, can take root in the lower back, specifically in the spinal column. The spinal column is the main support structure in the body. It is primarily made up of small bones called vertebrae that are separated by spongy intervertebral discs. Sometimes a certain area of the disc will become weaker than the rest of the disc, and it will bulge out beyond its regular perimeter. When discs bulge they may press on nerve roots or the spinal cord, and this nerve compression can cause pain anywhere from the head down to the feet.

Understanding the Anatomy Behind It

The spine consists of 33 vertebrae that are divided into five sections called cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae, sacral vertebrae, and coccygeal vertebrae, from top to bottom. A large nerve called the sciatic nerve rests along five vertebral bodies between the lower lumbar and upper sacral sections. The sciatic nerve provides feeling throughout the legs and feet. 

Discs between the vertebrae in the lower back endure a great deal of stress. These lower back discs are essentially a focal point of weight support and motion as we sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift, leaving them susceptible to forming weak areas and bulging. When these discs bulge, they can irritate a nerve close to the sciatic nerve or the sciatic nerve itself, which, in turn, can cause pain to travel along the entire length of the nerve, anywhere from the lower back down to the feet. The pain, discomfort, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and spasm symptoms experienced in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet is referred to as sciatica. Sciatica has a number of different causes, but a bulging disc or herniated disc along the sciatic nerve is the main culprit.

What to Do About a Bulging Disc in the Back

Back problems are always case-sensitive, and no two cases are exactly the same. Oftentimes, pain and other symptoms will go away for good without doing anything. Other times, conservative, nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy and pain or anti-inflammatory medication may help to stop the pain. Spine surgery, almost always an elected procedure, is regarded as a last resort option, and only a small percentage of people with bulging discs receive it. See your doctor if you have been experiencing prolonged periods of unexplained back pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or spasms to find out if a bulging disc is the cause of your back or leg pain.

 Bulging Disc Causes and Their Effects

Most of the time, there is not one specific cause that contributes to a bulging disc. Many things may lead to a bulging disc, but age is one important factor in the equation. As we age, the discs that lie between vertebrae start to deteriorate, which is completely natural. As the discs deteriorate, they lose their flexibility and become compressed and flattened. The flattened, stiffer discs can become exceptionally weak in one area, causing the disc to bulge out beyond its normal boundary. The pain that is associated with bulging discs comes in when the discs bulge into and place unwanted pressure on, nerve roots or the spinal cord.

Other Causes of a Bulging Disc

There are, however, other causes besides age that can contribute to a bulging disc. For example, another leading cause of a bulging disc is a traumatic injury. The majority of injuries that lead to bulging discs are sports-related, but work-related injuries may cause bulging discs, as well, if the field of work involves a good amount of standing, sitting, lifting, bending, or other movements that put stress on the neck or back. A family history of bulging discs and other back problems increases your chances of having a bulging disc. Also, though not a direct cause, smoking increases the likelihood that an intervertebral disc will bulge.

At AOMSI diagnostics, we provide the most accurate spinal imaging available in the healthcare marketplace.  This imaging has been proven in peer-reviewed medical journals to be the most accurate, reliable, and specific spinal imaging when compared to traditional spinal imaging modalities.  Often times we are able to expedite pre-authorizations for surgery or even overturn denials for spinal surgery after the VMA study is presented to insurance.

Contact us today to see if AOMSI diagnostics is right for you!