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Bulging Discs vs. Herniated Discs

The primary difference between bulging discs and herniated discs are whether they are contained or non-contained:

Contained vs. Non-Contained Disc Disorders

A contained disc — such as a bulging disc — has not broken through the outer wall of the intervertebral disc, which means the nucleus pulposus remains contained within the annulus fibrosus.

A non-contained disc — such as a herniated or ruptured disc — has either partially or completely broken through the outer wall of the intervertebral disc.

A bulging disc may be a precursor to a herniation. The disc may protrude into the spinal canal without breaking through the disc wall. The gel-like interior (nucleus pulposus) does not leak out. The disc remains intact except a small bubble appears on the outside of the disc.

When a disc herniates, the contents may compress the spinal cord or the spinal nerve roots. To complicate matters, sometimes fragments from the annulus (the outer disc wall) may break away from the parent disc and drift into the spinal canal.

Learn more about bulging discs:
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Causes of Bulging Discs
Treatment for Bulging Discs

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The Bonati Spine Institute advocates that bulging disc patients are well informed. We encourage you to contact us to request more information, a no-obligation MRI for bulging disc review or a personal telephone consultation. Find out why The Bonati Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions for laser spine surgery.