Bulging discs cause back pain. But so do herniated discs. What’s the difference?
In this blog post, we’ll give you insight into what makes a bulged disc vs herniated disc different from each other.
It can be confusing to know the difference between a bulging disc, herniated disc, slipped disc, collapsed disc, ruptured disc, sequestered disc, etc. The good news is that despite the terminology confusion, they have many things in common.
If you’ve been given multiple diagnoses and are confused about what is causing your back pain, here’s what you need to know and how you can treat a bulged or herniated disc.
First, a few basics that help define each ailment.
Bulging Discs vs Herniated Discs – The Basics
So what’s the difference between a bulged disc and a herniated disc?
Simply put, the main difference is the severity of the issue. The term “bulged disc” refers to a disc that is stretched, while a “herniated disc” is a disc that is spilling through a crack in the outer layer of the disc’s cartilage.
Here are some main characteristics of a herniated disc and a bulged disc.
Bulging Discs:
- Caused by pressure that forces the disc to stretch and protrude outward
- More common than disc herniation
- May go unnoticed more often since they tend to cause less pain
- Caused by degeneration of the spine
Herniated Discs:
- Involves a crack developing in the tough outer layer of the disc’s cartilage
- This crack allows the disc’s soft inner cartilage to spill through the crack and touch surrounding nerves
- Typically diagnosed right away as they are more symptomatic
- Caused by trauma and injury
- Most common in patients over 30 years of age
- Twice as common in men than women
Here are other terms that may be used to describe each type of problem.
Herniated discs might also be referred to as:
- Slipped disc
- Extruded disc
- Ruptured disc
- Prolapsed disc
While bulged discs might also be referred to as:
- Protruding disc
- Disc protrusion
Anatomy of a Bulging Disc
Discs act like soft cushions that buffer the space between vertebrae (bones of the spinal column). They act like shock absorbers that help us be able to move freely.
Discs have a soft, gel-like center (called the nucleus pulposus) made up of flexible cartilage. The nucleus pulposus is surrounded by a tough outer layer (the annulus fibrosus) that helps keep them in place.
As we get older, inflammation and micro-injuries begin to break down the outer layer (the fibrous portion) of the discs. The discs become susceptible to being stretched, pulled or bulged out of their normal place.
Once a disc bulges, it becomes wider and stretched. This creates a thinning or squashed effect that forces the disc out of its normal position. As it expands outward, a bulging disc can come into contact with sensitive neural tissues resulting in symptoms.
Now that we understand some of the basics, let’s get into some of the more specific differences including the difference in symptoms and causes.
Bulging Disc vs Herniated Disc Symptoms
Here are common symptoms of each a bulging and herniated disc.
Common symptoms of a herniated disc are:
- Lower back and/or neck pain
- Pain that radiates down the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling in legs, arms, feet or hands
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of reflexes
- Bowel or bladder dysfunction
- Pain from simple movements like coughing, sneezing or bending
Common symptoms of a bulging discs are:
- Localized pain felt in the affected area
- Tingling or pain that travels down the extremities (arms, fingers, legs, toes)
- Numbness and weakness in the affected area
- Pain and numbness in the buttock and down the legs (sciatica-like pain)
- Headaches
- Muscle aches and muscle weakness
About 90 percent of bulging discs occur in the lower back, although they can occur at all spinal levels. For example…
Lumbar bulging discs can cause pain in the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, legs and feet.
Thoracic bulging discs can cause pain in the abdomen, mid back, chest and hands.
Cervical bulging discs can cause pain in the head, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and fingers.
Herniated Disc vs Bulged Disc Causes
Bulging discs are more common in older people, since aging causes intervertebral discs to weaken over time.
Other potential causes of bulging discs include:
- Lifestyle (poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, drug use and high amounts of stress increase inflammation)
- Overuse (increased wear and tear of the discs)
- Decreased flexibility of the spine
- Trauma and injury to the spine
- Being overweight
- Degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis
- Improper form when exercising
- Excessive back and neck strain
- Poor posture
Common causes of herniated discs include:
- Age-related degeneration
- Repetitive movements that cause strain
- Improper technique when lifting heavy objects
- Traumatic injury
- Poor posture
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Genetic predisposition
- Sudden overexertion or twisting movements
“The moment you come in, everyone is extremely personable, and I have never felt better. Both Dr. Young and Dr. Tapia are so informative and so patient. I look forward going to each appointment. Thanks a bunch Docs!” – Intouch Chiropractic Review by SD Monitor Business Journal
How Intouch Chiropractic Care Can Help Bulged or Herniated Discs
As chiropractors, we always encourage patients to choose non-invasive, drug-free alternative treatment options first whenever possible. After all, a pill isn’t going to change the structure of a bulging or herniated disc.
Taking a proactive approach to your health can in many cases prevent a bulging disc from getting worse and becoming a herniated disc or a sequester disc. NUCCA Chiropractic techniques and Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression are effective in treating this condition with a natural approach that does not require medication, injections, back or neck surgery. These are two treatment options we regularly use on patients at our San Diego, California office.
If you are in the San Diego are and seeking help for a bulged or herniated disc, schedule a consultation with us today.
Learn more about each ailment and how chiropractors can help at these blog posts:
Want expert help? Call our office today at (619) 756-7510 or request an appointment here.
