Herniated or Bulging Discs: What's the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Back

If you've ever dealt with back pain, you might have heard the terms herniated disc and bulging disc thrown around. They sound similar, and they both involve the discs in your spine, however, they're not the same. Understanding the difference can help you and your doctor make the decision about treatment.

Think of the discs in your spine like tiny cushions between each of your vertebrae. Each disc acts like a shock absorber, helping you bend, move and twist without pain. Each disc has two parts: a soft, jelly-like center, called the nucleus, and a tough outer layer, called the annulus.

Over time or due to injury, these discs can become damaged, which is where herniated and bulging discs come in.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc is when the disc starts to lose its shape and pushes out beyond its normal space. The outer layer stretches out but doesn't break.
This is often caused by aging or wear and tear, and you might not even feel symptoms. Though in some cases, a bulging disc can press on nearby nerves which may lead to back or neck pain, tingling or numbness and muscle weakness.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is when the outer layer tears and the soft center begins to leak out. This may cause more intense pressure on nearby nerves, which may lead to sharp, shooting pain (especially down your leg or arm), numbness or tingling in specific areas and trouble with movement or strength. A herniated disc is sometimes also called a slipped disc or ruptured disc.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your doctor may perform a variety of different tests to help determine the correct diagnosis. These may include:

• Comprehensive physical examination and health history, including a review of your daily functions, activities, sleeping habits and any other factors that may be contributing to your pain.
• Electrodiagnostic testing (including electromyography and nerve conduction studies) that records and analyzes the electrical signals in your muscles and nerves to help your doctor diagnose issues that may be causing your pain.
• Imaging, including x-ray, MRI and ultrasound, that provide high-resolution images of joints, tissues and the spine. Diagnostic ultrasound can even spot problems while you're in motion.

Treatment Options

Once our expert physicians diagnose the cause of your back pain, we create a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Treatment may include:

• Image-guided injections
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Aquatic therapy
• Massage therapy

Up to 95% of our patients find relief with non-surgical treatment options.

While these treatment options are very successful, sometimes your condition may require surgery. Read how Kelli found immediate relief from spine surgery.

EvergreenHealth Sport & Spine Care has three convenient locations in Kirkland, Canyon Park and Monroe. If you're experiencing back pain that is affecting your quality of life, it may be time to see an expert. Visit www.evergreenhealth.com/physiatry