Back pain is debilitating, and two of the most common causes include herniated discs and bulging discs. Although both conditions affect the spine and may lead to discomfort, they are not identical. Understanding the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc is important in order to receive the proper treatment and achieve relief.

At Remix Medical, we have a team of experts that collaborate with top doctors in Houston to assist patients in finding the source of their back pain and develop individual treatment strategies. We shall now examine the differences between these spinal issues and what you can do about them.

What Is a Bulging Disc?

A bulging disc is a condition where the outermost layer of the spinal disc, which is known as the annulus fibrosus, is weakened or compressed resulting in the disc bulging out of its normal position. Imagine a tire that has been overinflated and starts to bulge out on the sides.

Key Characteristics:

• The disc is not ruptured; it is remains intact
• The bulge occupies a significant part of the disc- usually more than 25%.
• It may compress the nerves around it causing pain, tingling or numbness.

Aging, repetitive strain or poor posture can often cause bulging discs. They are usually asymptomatic, although when they begin to irritate surrounding spinal nerves, they may result in considerable discomfort.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc or ruptured disc, is a situation where the inner gel-like portion of the disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through the outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This tear may compress or irritate the surrounding nerves and cause more severe symptoms than a bulging disc.

Key Characteristics:

• Includes a rupture or tear in the outer covering of the disc.
• It normally involves a smaller area of the disc compared to the bulging disc.
• More probable to cause nerve impingement, which may lead to extreme discomfort, weakness, or even loss of mobility.

Herniated discs are usually sudden, caused by an injury, improper lifting of heavy objects, or trauma, but may also be a consequence of chronic disc degeneration.

Symptoms: The Two Compared

Both herniated and bulging discs can lead to back pain but the nature and degree of the symptoms may vary.

Common Symptoms of a Bulging Disc

• Moderate to mild back pain
• Sometimes, tingling or numbness in the limbs
• Muscle spasms
• Movement-related pain that increases with movement

Common Symptoms of Herniated Disc

• Pain that radiates down the leg or arm (sciatica), sharp and shooting in nature
• Weakness or numbness in certain muscles
• Loss of reflexes
• Inability to stand or walk because of pain

When you are experiencing continuous or increasing back pain, it is important to get an appointment with qualified doctors in Houston who can effectively diagnose the problem using imaging equipment such as MRIs or CT scans

Diagnosis

In order to provide the appropriate treatment, it is important to correctly diagnose whether you have a herniated or bulging disc. At Remix Medical, we work with board-certified physicians in Houston who have specialized in spinal health and have access to advanced diagnostic devices to help determine the state of your discs.

Diagnostic tools include:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• CT Scan
• X-ray
• Neurological tests and physical examination

The sooner we diagnose, the more effective the treatment and the better the outcome.

Treatment Options

Luckily, herniated and bulging discs can be addressed by non-surgical means in most cases. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition, your overall health and lifestyle.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

• Core muscle strengthening through physical therapy
• Spinal alignment through chiropractic care
• Anti-inflammatory pain relievers
• Injections of corticosteroids to minimize inflammation
• Posture correction and Rest

Surgical Interventions (in case of failure of conservative measures):

• Discectomy (removal of the bulging part)
• Laminectomy (removal of a section of the vertebra to relieve pressure)
• Spinal fusion for severe cases

Remix Medical collaborates with the best Houston doctors to assist patients in all stages of their recovery, including diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health.

Prevention

Although not every disc problem may be avoided, there are measures you can adopt to safeguard your spine and minimize your risk:

• Learn to lift properly
• Participate in low-impact activities such as walking or swimming
• Be in a healthy weight
• Make use of ergonomic furniture both at work and at home
• To ensure that your spine is flexible, stretch regularly

The spine holds the whole of your body, treat it well.

Visiting a Doctor

Consider visiting a specialist in case you:

• Have chronic or increasing back or neck pain
• Experience numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• Lose control of bladder or bowel (immediate attention)
• Walk or stand with difficulty

With the help of our network of experienced doctors in Houston, we  can ascertain whether your symptoms are because of a herniated disc, a bulging disc, or a spinal problem altogether.

Contact Remix Medical for a Pain-Free Life

Whether you have a bulging disc, herniated disc or any other spinal problem you do not have to face the pain alone. Our mission at Remix Medical is to put you in touch with the finest doctors in Houston so that you can have the best care possible.

Call us now to make an appointment and get on the journey to a healthier, pain-free spine.