Contemplating the Most Crucial Difference Between a Herniated and Bulging Disk

While witnessing neck or lower back pain, you may feel worried about the possibility of a herniated or bulging disk. People often refer to herniated and bulging disks as ruptured and slipped disks. Although one uses these terms interchangeably, there are differences between these spinal ailments. You must know a few primary differences before choosing the herniated disk treatment.

People use multiple terms to refer to a herniated disc. Some of these terms include collapsed, ruptured, or prolapsed disc. Although some people call it a bulging disc, it is not valid. Let us now explore the crucial details to clear the unending confusion.

Understanding the Basics of Herniated Disk

Herniated discs can give you a painful and debilitating experience. Moreover, it can cause severe pain in your legs, neck, arms, back, shoulders, and hands. You can categorize herniated discs into three groups:

  • Sequestered Disc Herniation- This condition implies a ruptured spinal disc that breaks away from the spinal disc and moves toward the spinal canal.

  • Contained Disc Herniation- In this case, the nucleus stretches the outer annulus.

  • Extruded Disc Herniation- This condition almost resembles a sequestered disc herniation. However, the nucleus remains connected to the spinal disc.

Becoming Aware of the Fundamental Differences

There were moments when a few patients needed our immediate attention. They were looking for an ideal herniated disk treatment. Our board-certified doctors not only resolved the problem but also gave them greater hope of recovery. Furthermore, our interdisciplinary approach increased the confidence level of our patients. Let us explore the crucial details.

When a disc remains in the degeneration or prolapse stage, it acts as a herniated disc. However, the herniation process might not have happened. This fact leads to confusion between herniated and bulging discs.

Hence, when you talk about a bulging disc, you imply a disc that stays in the degeneration or prolapse stage. However, when the topic is about a herniated disc, it can denote any stage. Here are the major differences to consider.

  • Bulging Disc- The nucleus pulposus of these discs remains in the annulus fibrosus. Bulging discs act as a precursor to herniation. Simply put, they don't break open.

  • Herniated Disc- These non-contained discs break open either partially or entirely. Hence when the disc herniates, its contents can spread to the spinal nerves and cord.

Switch on the Pain-Removal Mode

Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers offer reliable herniated disk treatment to obliterate the pain. Moreover, our minimally-invasive approaches have the potential to ensure better healing solutions. Allow us to help you drift toward a pain-free life.

**Disclaimer: These tips are not advised or suggested by doctors. The products that are promoted here are not FDA CERTIFIED to treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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