Usually, "disc bulge" in a radiologist's report describes disc herniation. It is a small disc protrusion due to the natural ageing process. More serious/larger disc protrusion or extruded disc are called "slipped disc" which will require surgery as treatment. "Disc bulge" is used due to a lack of universal standard term to describe this condition.
Question
What is the difference between a disc bulge and slipped disc (disc herniation)?
Doctor's Answers 2
The disc has a tough fibrous outer ring (annulus) and a softer core (nucleus pulposus, NP) that cushions the spine when we jump. With degeneration of the spine, the annulus weakens and gradually tears allow the NP to push its way out towards the spinal canal. With a weak annulus, the disc will bulge backwards into the spinal canal and may narrow the canal and cause compression on the spinal cord or nerve roots. When the annulus is completely torn, the NP will be able to slip ( or herniate, prolapse) out causing more severe compression resulting in severe pain, tingling and even weakness in the arms or legs.
Similar Questions
How can I get rid of persistent back pain that is not responding to physiotherapy?
Thank you for your email and I am sorry to hear about your ongoing pain symptoms. This can be an issue after surgery even if it does resolve the disc issue/symptoms that you were experiencing. The only way to resolve pain is to assess you and consider the pain generators in the back - unfortunately there can be many. It could be residual pain from degenerative discs, facet joints, nerve irritation, muscular tightness, scar tissue formation and so on.
What should I do next for lower back pain that occured on running?
Thank you for your questions. I agreed with both Dr. Sean and Dr. Dinesh that your pain is likely "discogenic", meaning that it is coming from the disc, which is the cushion in between the bones. There are also a spectrum of a "slipped disc", only when the slipped disc is very severe and compressing onto the nerve then you will develop tingling sensation or sciatica. Of course we don't want to wait until then before we do a thorough checkup on you, I'd recommend a MRI scan for you to investigate the actual cause of the pain and the severity of the condition.
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