- Disks are composed of cartilage and jelly-like materials that act as a cushion between the vertebrae.
- A bulging disk is a disk that is protruding outside of the space where it is supposed to be. According to the Mayo Clinic, bulging disks routinely occur as a natural part of the aging process.
A herniated disk occurs when the disk's outer cartilage shell cracks, allowing some of the jelly-like internal materials to poke out. - A herniated disk may cause sciatica pain in the hips and legs, lower back pain and pain that affects the arm, chest, shoulder or neck. Bulging disks do not usually cause any symptoms.
- A herniated or bulging disk may be identified using an MRI, CT scan, X-rays and myelogram.
- Herniated disks are treated with rest, physical therapy, pain medications, muscle relaxers and surgery in severe cases. Bulging disks may be treated with exercise to help strengthen back muscles. Bulging discs usually do not require further treatment unless the disks become herniated.
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