Although often interchanged, there is a difference between a herniated and bulging disc. Discover the difference and the best course of action for recovering from both.
What is a disc?
Between each vertebrae in your spine is a cushion called a intervertebral disc. It is supported by a system of ligaments that help hold them in place.
Since our backs carry and distribute weight, the discs are made to absorb shock from the load and movement of our bodies. This is hard work as we walk, run, bend, and twist each day.
Over the course of time, the discs become worn out.
A traumatic injury and poor lifestyle choices may increase the risk for a disc problem. This includes repeated lifting, participating in sports, obesity, smoking, and poor posture. All these things increase break down and push the disc out of it’s proper place.
Subsequently, it is common for people to come to us reporting a “slipped disc”. An intervertebral disc actually doesn’t slip out of place. When you hear this phrase, realize that you actually have a bulging or herniated disc.
But, what’s the difference between the two?
Bulging Disc
When a disc bulges, the outer layer pushes out fairly evenly all the way around. It looks a little like a hamburger that’s too big for its bun. At this point, the disc is not “herniated” but this is often a precursor.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disk, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of the disc allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disc.
This is like a jelly donut that’s losing it’s filling.
A herniated disc is more likely to cause pain. The irritation can be from actual compression of the nerve or more commonly a painful inflammation of the nerve root. Symptoms of a herniated disc may include muscle spasm, cramping, weakness, tingling, or pain referred down the arm or leg.
Why neither may be the cause of your pain?
The pain from a bulging or herniated disc can make it difficult to participate in every day activities such as walking, sitting, or even sleeping comfortably. People are often limited in their activities of enjoyment such as sports, gardening, or travel.
When seeking medical guidance for this pain, patient’s are often sent for diagnostic imaging such as MRIs or CT scans. However, if an imaging test indicates you have a disc problem, the disc may not actually be the cause of your back pain.
In fact, many people have MRI evidence of a herniated disc and have no back pain at all. A study was performed on individuals 60 years and older who had no symptoms of back pain and found 36% had a herniated disc and over 90% had degeneration or bulging of the discs. So, even if it is found your disc is bulging or herniated, pain only occurs if it’s pressing on a spinal nerve or the spinal cord.
What about treatment options?
Researchers found that these people who were initially sent for MRIs, over conservative care, ultimately paid more for their treatment. They were also more likely to have surgery or injections compared to those who first went to physical therapy.
A study conducted at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 2013 found that patient’s that underwent back surgery did not demonstrate a significant difference in outcomes measures such as pain, health status, satisfaction, or disability compared to nonoperative treatments.
In fact, in all but extreme cases, a course of noninvasive care by a physical therapist produces better long term results than injections or prescription medications. Additionally, these individuals reached their goals without the negative side effects associated with medications such as addictive opioids.
I bet that MRI doesn’t sound like such a great idea anymore.
If you are interested in back pain treatment options
you can start TODAY from HOME for FREE.
This report will help guide you:
“7 Solutions to End Back Pain without Medications,
Injections, Special Tests, or Referrals”
Are your ready to discuss what conservative treatment options a physical therapist could provide for your back pain?
Go HERE and request a FREE “Discovery Visit” where we can identify the root cause of your pain and let you know if physical therapy will be your most effective course of action.
Our goal is to eliminate your pain, guide you in returning to normal daily activities and recreation, as well as preventing future back injuries.
