What's the Difference Between a Herniated and Bulging Disc?
Here at Sydney Spine we believe it is important to understand what is causing your back pain or neck pain. It adds to your understanding that your body can heal itself, and that the treatment you are receiving is designed specifically for your condition. We have recently had a few questions about different types of disc injuries such as, what’s the difference between a herniated and bulging disc? Here is some information that will help clarify things regarding a bulging disc vs herniated disc. Both bulging and herniated discs relate to a vertebral disc injury. Disc bulge: In the case of a bulging disc (also called a disc protrusion), the tough outer fibrous layers of the disc, called the annulus fibrosus, have a weak spot. The inner contents of the disc (a gelatinous protein substance called the nucleus pulposus), puts pressure against this weak spot, eventually causing an outwards bulge in the disc. The bulge itself may be asymptomatic or painful. If the bulge presses against an adjacent nerve, the nerve will become irritated and inflamed. This may result in pain or dysfunction in other areas of the body, depending upon which nerve is affected and what structures it innervates (supplies). Disc herniation: In the case of a herniated disc, the tough outer fibrous layers of the vertebral disc may have a tear. This tear permits the inner gelatinous contents to push through the outer fibres, beyond the disc wall. As with a bulge, there are a number of possible symptoms if the protrusion presses against adjacent nerves. This may include severe pain, numbness, tingling, burning, radiculitis (pain down a limb) and even weakness. This is likely to be more painful than a bulge because the inner gelatinous content, not normally located outside of the disc, is detected as a foreign substance by the nervous system, which causes a cascade of inflammatory responses. A bulging disc vs herniated disc may sound very similar, but they are in fact different. Both may cause severe pain if left untreated. Cause of Disc Bulge or Herniation Vertebral discs have three main purposes:
To keep each pair of vertebrae separate
Allow for movement in all planes including flexion, extension and rotation
Shock absorption of pressure from compression and torsion
A disc bulge or herniation can be caused by a traumatic injury or accident that causes extreme pressure on the fibrous disc layers, from sports or heavy lifting while rotating, or from natural degeneration that comes with age. As always, disc injuries such as these should be managed by a qualified healthcare professional. Contact the team at Sydney Sports and Spine on 02 9231 5022 for your free over the phone consultation. We can tailor make a care plan to ensure you are back on your feet as soon as possible and give excellent advice on home care, proper nutrition and other tips on how you can manage your own return to activity.
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Between a bulging disc vs. a herniated disc, a herniated disc is considered to be far more severe in terms of pain. Herniated discs put significant pressure on nearby nerves, leading to intense pain and inflammation.
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If left untreated, a bulging disc can lead to serious problems in the future. Permanent damage to the nerve roots may occur which may lead to weakness and a loss of sensation in that area.
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Lumbar herniated disc treatments are the most effective way to treat herniated or bulging discs. Chiropractic techniques, physical therapy, routine stretching, ice and heat therapy, as well as some anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve pain associated with herniated or bulging discs.
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According to Harvard Health Publishing, in most cases — 90% of the time — pain caused by a herniated disc will go away on its own within six months. Initially, your doctor will likely recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever and limit activities that cause pain or discomfort.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/will-my-herniated-disc-heal-on-its-own