There are few things in life that are more debilitating than back pain. When you begin to experience pain in your back and spine, it is important to determine the cause. In many cases, the cause of your back pain can be attributed to either a bulging disc or a herniated disc. Although these conditions are often mentioned together, they are defiantly not the same thing. So how do you determine if you have a bulging disc or a herniated disc? The only real way to tell is to know the differences between the two. This will enable you to get the best diagnosis for the cause of your back pain.
What Are Discs?
Discs of this type are described as cushions that sit between the vertebrae and spine. Discs are made of cartilage of varying forms. This means that discs are constructed of a layer of soft cartilage in the inside surrounded by a layer of tougher cartilage on the outside. The size of discs make them the perfect dimension to fit between the vertebrae. When the discs are not positioned correctly, this can lead to conditions defined as bulging discs and herniated discs.
What Is A Bulging Disc?
This is a term used to describe a common condition that exists when a disc extends out farther than normal. The bulge that exists will often affect a large portion of the disc. When a section of the disc is bulging, that part is often the tougher cartilage portion of the disc. Bulging is pretty normal as discs begin to age and this condition is extremely popular. Most bulging discs actually result in no real or noticeable pain beyond normal aging aches.
What Is A Herniated Disc?
Unlike the natural aging process that is responsible for the onset of bulging discs, a herniated disc is caused by a crack. This occurs when the tough exterior of the cartilage becomes cracked and the soft cartilage begins to extend out of the disc. Other names for a herniated disc include a ruptured disc or a slipped disc. Although most bulging discs involve little to no pain, if you experience a herniated disc you will feel severe pain. However, in some small cases of herniated discs no pain is felt. Discs age naturally, but the premature cracking of the cartilage is defined as a herniated disc.
