What Is The Difference Between A Bulging Disc And A Herniated Disc?

When a spinal problem develops, symptoms can range from annoying to debilitating. Of course, the spine has many working parts that are susceptible to injury, including small structures called intervertebral discs. These discs lie between the bony vertebra in your spine. Their main role is to increase spinal mobility and provide shock absorption.

How Might I Injure An Intervertebral Disc?

Injury to an intervertebral disc may be caused by poor body mechanics, repetitive movements, heavy lifting, and other factors. Many times, you may hear of people saying they have a "slipped disc" in their back. This term is a bit of a misnomer. Intervertebral discs don't technically "slip" out of place. Instead, a more appropriate term would be either a "bulging" disc or "herniated" disc--but even these describe two different conditions. Visit our New Albany bulging disc doctor to learn more about the differences between injured spinal discs.

What Is The Difference Between A Bulging Disc And A Herniated Disc?

To understand the difference between a bulging versus a herniated disc, it's helpful (albeit a bit silly!) to imagine an intervertebral disc as a tiny jelly donut. Intervertebral discs are filled with gel-like cartilage called nucleus pulposus. On the outside, discs are surrounded by tough cartilage called annulus fibrosis. With a bulging disc, the inner gel-like nucleus pulposus may move or protrude out beyond the normal disc space, but it does not break through the outer cartilagenous layer. This would be like squeezing a jelly donut, but none of the jelly actually leaks out. 

In a herniated disc, the inner nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus, and may leak into the spinal canal and other nearby areas. In this case, it would be like squeezing a jelly donut to the point that some of the jelly begins to ooze out. If you are dealing with a herniated disc, please contact our office for herniated disc treatment in New Albany IN.

What Do A Bulging Disc And A Herniated Disc Have In Common?

Bulging and herniated discs can have similar symptoms, depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common symptoms of a spinal disc injury include back pain and stiffness. If a disc ends up "pinching" a spinal nerve, a person may also develop pain, weakness, or numbness in the limb that the affected nerve innervates.

Similarly, both types of disc injury tend to respond well to chiropractic care, such as spinal decompression, chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercise prescription, and workspace modification. Visit our clinic for bulging disc treatment in New Albany IN.

Tired Of Struggling With Your Back Pain? Consult With Our New Albany Chiropractors Today

At New Albany, IN 1st Choice Health & Wellness, we know that a problem with your spine health can throw off your entire livelihood. But we don't want to just treat your symptoms. Our doctors believe in careful diagnosis and individualized treatment plans that address the underlying cause of your dysfunction, as well. So, let us help you start the healing process you've been searching for. Contact our New Albany herniated disc doctor today at (812) 945-4500.