A bulged disc is not the same as a slipped disc, although they are often used interchangeably. The terms “bulging disc” and “slipped disc” are colloquial terms that are commonly used to describe a herniated disc.
A bulging disc occurs when the disc, which is the cushion-like structure between the vertebrae in the spine, extends beyond its normal boundaries. This happens when the disc weakens or degenerates over time, causing the outer layer of the disc to bulge outward. The bulge is usually broad and affects a larger area of the disc. It may or may not cause symptoms, depending on whether it is pressing on nearby nerves or structures.
On the other hand, a slipped disc, or herniated disc, occurs when the inner gel-like material of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus, protrudes through a crack or tear in the outer layer of the disc, called the annulus fibrosus. This protrusion can put pressure on the nerves in the spine, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. A herniated disc often causes more symptoms than a bulging disc because the protrusion is typically more pronounced and irritates the nerve roots.
It’s important to note that the terms “bulging disc” and “slipped disc” are not medical terms used by healthcare professionals. Instead, doctors and healthcare providers use the term “herniated disc” to describe this condition. This is because the inner material of the disc does not actually slip or move out of place, but rather herniates through a crack or tear in the outer layer.
To summarize, a bulging disc and a slipped disc are similar in that they both involve the abnormal protrusion of the disc, but a slipped disc, or herniated disc, specifically refers to the condition where the inner material of the disc protrudes through a crack or tear in the outer layer and can irritate nerve roots.