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A bulging disc is a disc that has lost its normal form, becoming flatter than normal and thus bulging out into a space larger than what it would normally occupy. Bulging discs can cause spinal stenosis, which is when the spinal canal becomes narrower than usual, causing the nerve roots or spinal cord to be compressed. This compression can affect the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, causing symptoms such as:
Pain in the back or limbs, including sciatica
Muscle weakness
Problems with perception in the limbs, such as numbness

Bulging discs are quite common, especially among people who have reached middle age, which is when the discs start to lose fluid and become more prone to damage. A bulging disc occurs when the outer portion of the disc, the annulus fibrosus, becomes flatter than usual, thus taking up more space width-wise than it should, like a hamburger that's too big for the bun. Some patients have bulging discs without ever realizing it, but if the disc presses against the nerves, symptoms can occur.

When it comes to spine conditions, herniated discs are one of the most common. Many people, especially those who are middle aged or older, have at least one herniated disc - some without even knowing it. The symptoms range from non-existent to debilitating, and the course of treatment should take into account the severity of symptoms and how the patient has responded to past treatments.

Herniated discs are a relatively common spine condition that occur when a disc ruptures in one or more places, allowing the disc to press against the nerve roots or the spinal cord. The symptoms range from quite mild to excruciating depending on the severity of the condition. The most common place to experience a herniated disc is in the lower back, but they can also occur in the neck or the upper back, where symptoms may be relatively more severe.