What is a bulging disc?

Bulging discs are different from herniated discs because it is a contained disc disorder. Whereas a herniated disc has already torn open, a bulging disc is still contained. With a bulging disc, a nucleus pulposus remains contained within the anulus fibrosus. In some cases, a bulging disc may come before a disc herniation.  A bulging disc may extend into the spinal canal without breaking open. The jelly substance interior (nucleus pulposus) has not leaked in a bulging disc.  A bulging disc remains contained except for a little bubble which pops out connected to the disc.

The intervertebral discs are under continuous pressure. Discs degenerate and become weaker, and cartilage has the ability to bulge or be pressed into the space containing the spinal cord or a nerve root which may result in pain.  Tissue areas like injured muscles and ligaments or painful conditions such as a bulging disc cannot be seen on regular x-rays. 

The pressure on a nerve root from a bulging disc can be removed by a common method called a discectomy. During a discectomy, the doctor (surgeon) removes a tiny piece of the lamina (the curved bony ceiling of the spinal canal) to take out the blockage below.  Bulging discs   can cause the space through which the spinal nerve exits to become smaller. Bulging discs can press on the nerve, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or leg.  IntraDiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) uses thermal energy to relieve pain arising from a bulging spinal disc. 

Symptoms of a bulging disc are dependent upon its location in the spine.  The most effective diagnosis of a bulging disc is done after a injured accident victim's medical history has been given to a physician, and an MRI or CT scan, or x-ray has established that a bulge is evident.