Difference between Bulging Disc, Herniated Disc and Ruptured Disc
No matter what you call your back pain, be it a herniated disc or ruptured disc, the result can be quite painful. Closely related is the condition known as bulging disc, and all three are the subjects of this comparison article.
Definition
Bulging disc is the term used to refer to an injured disc in the spine in which the protrusion is less than 3mm.
A herniated disc is a similar condition in which the disc protrudes as well, although the annular fibers still exert some holding power on the disc's nucleus. Ruptured disc is another name for a herniated disc, although it is most often used to refer to a condition that results from injury or trauma.
Condition
A bulging disc is so-called because the disc extends outside the area that it would normally occupy. In most cases, the bulge is comprised of a fairly large section of the disc, giving it the appearance of a hamburger patty that has exceeded the size of its bun. A bulging disc is considered a normal part of aging, and it typically shows up in an MRI.
A herniated disc occurs when a crack in the outer layer of the spine causes part of the disc’s internal material to protrude. This is pretty much what happens in a ruptured disc as well.
Bulging disks are quite a bit more commonplace than herniated discs, although the latter condition tends to be more painful. That being said, some people who suffer from one or the other experience no symptoms at all.
Symptoms
A rupture in any of the discs of the spinal column can cause some of the inner substance to protrude, causing irritation to the nerves of the spine. When this condition occurs in the lower back, the person may experience sciatica, which is characterized by pain or numbness in the lower back. This pain may even extend to the buttocks, the back of the leg, and even the foot. As mentioned previously however, some patients may feel no pain at all.
A pinched nerve is a common result of a herniated disc, although the condition may cause a number of other health issues as well, including spinal stenosis, tissue swelling, and bone spurs in which the nerve roots of the spine are subjected to pressure.
Herniated discs most often occur in the lower back, since this part of the body is prone to a lot of stress. If the condition occurs in the neck area however, the patient may experience pain, numbness and/or weakness in the arms or hands.
Similarities and Differences
Bulging disc
- An injured disc in the spine in which the protrusion is less than 3mm
- Quite a bit more commonplace than herniated discs
Herniated disc
- Condition in which the disc protrudes as well, although the annular fibers still exert some holding power on the disc's nucleus
- Occurs when a crack in the outer layer of the spine causes part of the disc’s internal material to protrude
Ruptured disc
- Another name for a herniated disc
- Most often used to refer to a condition that results from injury or trauma
