Disc (Disks) act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They’re composed of an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center.
A bulging disc extends outside the space it should normally occupy. The bulge typically affects a large portion of the disc, so it may be seen as an over flowing structure over the vertebral bone above and beneath the disc. The part of the disc that’s bulging is typically the tough outer layer of cartilage. Bulging usually is considered part of the normal aging process of the disc.
A herniated disc, on the other hand, results when a crack in the tough outer layer of cartilage allows some of the softer inner cartilage to protrude out of the disc. Herniated discs are also called ruptured discs or slipped discs.
Bulging discs are more common and usually cause no pain. Herniated discs are more likely to cause pain, but some cause no pain whatsoever.
If any of the above conditions concern you and you would like more information, please call or schedule an appointment.Dr. JP Silvera DC
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