The word "bulging disc" is often used to describe a condition where a part of a spinal disc migrates sideways, either from a trauma or gradual wear and tear. The medical term is herniated nucleus pulposus. It may be painful and advancing, and can ultimately lead to surgery. Whenever a person is given the diagnosis, he definitely is curious about knowing what is a bulging disc and discovers all he can about his options.

The spinal column is comprised of twenty four segments known as vertebrae. The first seven of the 24, designated cervical, make up the neck, medically termed as the cervical spine. The next twelve are defined thoracic and make up the center back, or thoracic spine. The remaining five are named lumbar, and constitute the lower back, or lumbar spine. With the exception of the first two cervical vertebrae, a spinal disc connects vertebrae together to give structure, durability, flexibility and support from trauma.

The disc itself is a fibrous joint whose outer part is made of a number of concentric layers having fibers which slope in an alternating manner. This is known as the annulus fibrosus. The inner part is known as the nucleus pulposus and has a jelly like texture that can endure significant hydrostatic pressure. It is the critical part which helps distribute weight applied to the spine, and is the part that can break through and cause the true disc bulge.

Orthopedic doctors use different terms to describe the varying degree of disc bulging. If the nucleus bulges in a broad manner and the outer annulus rings remain unchanged, it is called a broad based disc bulge. When the bulge is more focalized, it is known as a focalized disc bulge. If the outer annulus fibers have broken, letting a portion of the bulge to permeate into the spinal canal, it is called a disc prolapse. If the part of the nucleus separates the rest of the disc, it is known as a disc sequestration. As one can notice, the question "what is a bulging disc" may have several answers.

A herniated disc is diagnosed with MRI. The vast majority of disc herniations arise in the lower back and neck. This is mainly because they aren't reinforced by the ribcage as in the thoracic spine. The neck and lower back are more flexible in different axes and therefore experience more forces to their spinal discs. An MRI will demonstrate the side view, or sagittal, which can clearly reveal the degree of disc herniation. Doctors are concerned about the size of the herniation, where it is located, and whether or not it is contacting nerve structure. The top view, or coronal view will allow the doctor to see the lateral canals where nerve roots exit the spine and go to the extremities (arms and legs). Doctors are interested in seeing if the bulge is blocking or partially encroaching on or both of these canals.

So, rather than asking what is a bulging disk one ought to ask "when is a bulging disk regarded as risky?" Usually, any disc bulge which is larger than five millimieters is considered clinically significant. Most individuals have some amount of disc bulging, that is normal because the disc's role is to cushion the weight placed on the spine. These natural bulges are not typically felt. Treatment for disc bulges varies from no treatment, to spinal surgery. It all depends on the shape of the herniation and whether it is intruding on spinal nerves.

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The term "bulging disc" is often used to describe a condition where a section of a spinal disc migrates outwards, or radially, either from an injury or gradual deterioration. There are different levels of severity depending on the size and nature of the bulge.

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