If you’re dealing with really bad upper or lower back pain, you’re not alone. Back discomfort, including common disorders like bulging or herniated discs, affects a lot of us particularly in older age.
According to research, ruptured discs can happen to up to 2% of the population each year, and bulging discs are much more frequent.
Of course, depending on the nature of your pain, you might be unclear about the distinction between a bulging and a herniated disc. How do you distinguish between the two conditions and determine which one you could have?
Here are some important details concerning these typical spinal disc conditions.
Table of Contents
The Spinal Cord Anatomy
Understanding the structure of the spine is crucial before knowing the specifics of the bulging vs herniated disc.
You must probably be well aware that your spine is divided into various sections called vertebrae.
The discs that sit in between vertebrae have a jelly-like, spongy coating of soft cartilage that aids in preserving the flexibility of your spine. The “nucleus pulposus” is the name for its squishy interior core. The “annulus fibrosis,” is a more strong outer layer of cartilage that shields the “nucleus pulposus”.
Dr. Afzal Hussain who is one of the best orthopedic and spine surgeons in Pakistan says that though they serve as cushions for the vertebrae, these layers can migrate and swell for a variety of reasons, which we’ll cover below.
What is a Bulging Disc?
As a person ages, the discs start to deteriorate. The outer layer of the disc starts to protrude into the spinal canal as a result of this.
Between bulging vs herniated disc, your risk of developing a bulging disc increases when improper posture puts strain on your spine. This may occur as the disc presses outward in the other direction due to increased pressure from the vertebrae on one side of the disc. A disc may sag along a short section of its edge or all the way around.
In addition to having one bulging disc, you can also have several. It’s also important to note that even when the discs swell and bulge, the cartilage’s outer layer is unharmed.
The aging process in many people results in a bulging disc, which is not always painful. However, some people may have pain from these bulging discs, particularly if the bulging worsens with time. The discomfort may worsen if these discs are in a position to irritate or compress a nerve root. So, this is how bulging disc occurs when bulging vs herniated disc are compared.
What is a Herniated Disc?
When a disc bulges excessively, the cartilage’s outer layer cracks, leading to herniated discs. Herniated discs may alternatively be referred to as “ruptured” or “slipped” discs.
Experts at Doctors Hospital say that when a bulging disc gets worse over time, it may herniate. Another scenario is when a spine that is already under stress suffers an acute injury that damages it.
Given that they frequently impact a particular nerve root, herniated discs are more likely to be painful. You might find it difficult to walk or have tingling, numbness, or a loss of range of motion in your legs or back, depending on where it is and how severe it is.
Herniated discs, however, don’t often hurt as much as bulging discs. Some patients might not even be aware that they have a herniated disc until they get an MRI for an unrelated injury.
Bulging vs Herniated Disc – What’s the Difference?
Both of these illnesses have numerous characteristics. Dr. Muhamad Siddique Hamid who is one of the best spinal and orthopedic surgeons says that they can develop anywhere along the spine, are characterized by localized pain, and may be brought on by bad posture or constant strain. There are a few techniques to distinguish between them, though.
You might observe a difference in the intensity and location of your pain if you attempt to diagnose your issue on your own. Patients who have a bulging disc may experience discomfort gradually over time and delay seeking medical attention until the pain is severe.
On the other hand, you’ll typically experience severe pain as soon as a herniated disc occurs.
Additionally, when it comes to bulging vs herniated discs, repeated spinal stress over an extended period of time is more likely to be the cause of bulging discs. Herniated discs are more prone to develop following an injury or accident.
The only way to know if you have a bulged or herniated disc is to consult a spine surgeon. An MRI can assist a professional in determining the most likely reason for your pain, even while other imaging techniques like X-rays can rule out other injuries.
Suggested Read: Understanding Spine Pain
What is the Treatment for Bulging and Herniated Discs?
Herniated discs and bulging discs can both be treated, in most cases. Here is a summary of the available therapies for both illnesses.
1. Non-Surgical Treatment
Some of the non-surgical treatments for bulging vs herniated discs include:
Over-the-Counter Medicines – To treat pain and lessen inflammation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) sold over-the-counter or painkillers prescribed by a doctor may be suggested.
Physical Therapy – Stretches and exercises specifically designed to do so can increase flexibility, strengthen the muscles around the disc, and relieve pressure.
Heat or Cold Therapy – Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
2. Surgical Treatments
Some best surgical treatments for herniated and bulging discs include;
Discectomy – This surgical procedure involves removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on the nerves or spinal cord. It can be performed through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
Spinal Fusion – In the treatment of bulging vs herniated discs, spinal fusion surgery may be recommended to stabilize the spine if the disc is severely damaged or multiple discs are involved.
Microdiscectomy – This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses specialized instruments and a small incision to remove the herniated portion of the disc.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Proper Body Mechanics – Maintaining good posture and practicing proper lifting techniques can minimize strain on the spine and discs.
Rest – Short periods of rest may be recommended to allow the disc to heal and reduce irritation.
Weight Management – Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine and improve overall spinal health.
Suggested Read: Amazing Spine Health Tips
When to Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon
It might be distressing to have trouble figuring out what’s causing your pain, i.e. bulging vs herniated disc. Even though you might be able to predict your ailment and its origin, only a professional can correctly identify your issue and treat your pain. He can also help you in identifying bulging discs vs herniated discs. So, if you are looking for an experienced orthopedic surgeon, to help you deal with issues of discs, contact Healthwire to book an appointment.
