Computed tomography scans (CTs) give greater detail about the spine and the distance between the vertebrae.X-rays won’t actually show the bulging or herniated disc, but they will eliminate other injuries, infections, or tumors that might be the cause of your pain.The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states that the only way to get a proper diagnosis of either a bulging disc or a herniated disc is through your symptoms, your medical history, a physical exam, and some type of imagery test. How can I tell the difference between the two? Although not every herniated disc causes pain, this problem is far more likely to be the cause of discomfort as the jelly pushes against nerve roots in the spine, according to Beacon Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. A traumatic injury may weaken the outer wall of the disc also contributing to herniation. Another type of herniation may occur when compression of the disc stretches the elastic layer so thin that a “large piece of inner portion is able to migrate significantly into the spinal canal.” This is referred to as “contained fragment herniation.” Age and dehydration of the disc are contributing factors. This type of herniation is referred to as “free fragment,” “non-contained,” or “extruded” herniation. Herniated Disc – Neurosurgeons of New Jersey goes on to explain that a herniated disc happens when a hole forms in the outer layer (elastic skin) of the disc and some of the inner jelly escapes through the hole.During sequestration, the jelly that has escaped the disc becomes unattached from the disc.At this point, the disc is no longer a bulging disc, but a herniated disc. At the extrusion phase, some of the jelly from inside the disc has begun to slip outside the elastic skin.No jelly has moved out of the disc at this point, but the bulge has become more pronounced. Prolapse moves a bulging disc to a herniated disc, and at this point the problem may be referred to as both a bulging disc and a herniated disc.Degeneration is the initial bulge of the disc and generally has no pain unless the bulge is pressing on a nerve root.Beacon Orthopedic and Sports Medicine explains that bulging discs may also progress through four phases: degeneration, prolapse, extrusion, and sequestration. Often, bulging discs are asymptomatic and need no treatment at all. As a result, the discs may begin to compress, causing the outer layers to bulge into the spinal canal, contributing to nerve compression. Bulging Disc – Neurosurgeons of New Jersey shares that as the body ages, the discs become dehydrated and stiffen.The outer layer of these jelly-filled discs is a tough, elastic skin that allows the discs to flex and compress, giving the spine flexibility. These discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, cushioning the bone as your body moves throughout the day bending, walking, running, and even falling. The spine is comprised of bone segments that are separated by “jelly-filled” discs. Those who suffer from debilitating back pain hear terms like “bulging discs” and “herniated discs,” but might not necessarily understand what the difference is between them. Beacon Orthopedics and Sports Medicine states that one of the primary causes of disability throughout the world is back pain. Back pain is a common affliction among Americans and people in general.
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