Can an MRI tell the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc? (2024)

Can an MRI tell the difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc?

Since the disc material is better contained in a bulging disc compared to a herniated disc, there is a lower likelihood of nerve irritation and compression. The only way to confirm whether a disc has bulged or herniated is through magnetic resonance imaging-an MRI.

Can MRI detect bulging or herniated disc?

MRI scan is the best non-invasive test available to find herniated and bulging discs and annular tears. Because the spatial resolution of spinal anatomy can be defined to 0.5mm with an MRI scan, doctors can identify with over 95% accuracy the herniated discs in the spine.

How do you tell if a disc is bulging or herniated?

Only with the help of a spine surgeon can you confirm whether or not you have a bulged or herniated disc. Though other types of imaging like X-rays can rule out other injuries, an MRI can help an expert diagnose the most likely cause of your pain.

Can a herniated disc be mistaken for a bulging disc?

Herniated disks are also called ruptured disks or slipped disks, although the whole disk does not rupture or slip. Only the small area of the crack is affected. Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots.

Can a bulging disc become a herniated disc?

If the outer layer of the disc tears and the soft inner part of the disc leaks out, the result is a “herniated disc.” In some cases, a bulging disc can become a herniated disc.

Is a herniated disc more painful than a bulging disc?

Herniated discs are considered more severe than bulging discs because they put significant pressure on nearby nerves, which can cause intense pain, inflammation and difficulties with movement.

How common are disc bulges on MRI?

However, studies have shown over and over, that disc bulges are incredibly common, and can be seen on MRIs of people without back pain or spine problems.

Is L4-L5 disc bulge serious?

A L4–L5 disc bulge (or slip-disc) in the L4-L5 region can cause severe health issues such as impotence and reproduction issues. It can also lead to infertility, loss or control of the bowel or bladder, paralysis in one or both of your legs, and even death.

Can a chiropractor fix a bulging disc?

In fact, chiropractic care provides an all-natural and effective solution to pain relief and treating a bulging disc in your spine. Chiropractors use safe and gentle chiropractic adjustments to resolve misalignments in the spine and restore your vertebrae and spinal discs to their proper position.

What can a bulging disc be mistaken for?

Yes. A misdiagnosed herniated disc is one of the most common reasons patients endure chronic neck or back pain. Herniated discs are often misdiagnosed as piriformis syndrome, a muscular disorder in the buttocks, mild sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis.

Can a bulging disc go back into place?

Treatment Options

Non-surgical treatments can include physical therapy or bracing to try and gradually ease the bulging disc back into its rightful place. When these conservative options fail, and there is still a lot of pain, a minimally invasive surgical procedure can be used to correct the bulging disc.

Does pain come and go with a bulging disc?

Being cautious about how you move can affect how much or how little pain you experience. Fortunately pain that comes and goes can also be an indication of the disc healing.

Which disc bulge is serious?

Lumbar Bulging Disc- Lower Back

Approximately 90% of bulging discs occur at L4-L5 and L5-S1, causing pain in the L5 or S1 nerve that radiates down the sciatic nerve. Symptoms of a bulging disc at these locations are described below: A bulging disc at lumbar segment 4 and 5 (L4-L5) usually causes L5 nerve impingement.

Does a bulging disc hurt to touch?

If you have a bulging spinal disc, you may be wondering if you can physically feel it. You are not likely to be able to feel the disc itself, since it is located between the bones of your spine. However, you may be able to determine the affected area by touching various points along your back that you can reach.

Is sitting bad for a herniated disc?

Sitting. Sitting for long periods of time isn't ideal for people with a herniated disc. A standing desk is a great option, but if you must sit, rest your spine firmly against the chair back, sit up straight, and don't slouch (which strains the spinal ligaments and aggravates a herniated disc).

What does herniated disc look like on MRI?

A herniated or ruptured disc is the same spinal condition. It will show more protrusions than a bulging disc. Scans will also reveal that the cartilage usually held within the spine is leaking out to the outer, more rigid cartilage.

Is bulging disc a disability?

A herniated disc injury may result in a designation of permanent disability and make you eligible for disability benefits from workers' compensation if: The herniation compromises a nerve root or the bundle of nerves that lead out from the spinal cord.

When does a herniated disc hurt the most?

The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because there is more pressure on the nerve.

How debilitating is a bulging disc?

Common Cause of Severe Back Pain

A herniated disc can be a painful, even debilitating injury. It can impact your daily routine and lead to poor quality of life.

How long can a disc stay bulged?

On average, most cases of disc herniation resolve between two to twelve weeks following injury. Since many cases improve within two to three weeks following injury, physical therapy is not recommended until three weeks after the onset of symptoms. Similarly, given that most cases resolve within six weeks of symptoms.

What percentage of bulging discs require surgery?

Fortunately, surgery is not typically required for a herniated disc. In fact, only about 10 percent of herniated disc patients end up needing surgery, according to research cited by Harvard Health. This article explains what you need to know about herniated spinal discs, treatment, and surgery.

How serious is a bulging disc C5 C6?

A bulging or herniated C5-C6 spinal disc can have far-reaching consequences, causing pain symptoms, paresthesia (numbness & tingling), weakness, and paralysis from the lower neck down to the toes!

What medication is used for L4 L5 disc bulge?

Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are used to help relieve pain from L4-L5. Typically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually tried first. For more severe pain, opioids, tramadol, and/or corticosteroids may be used.

Does L4 L5 disc bulge require surgery?

L4-L5 Treatment with Surgery

If nonsurgical methods fail to provide relief from the pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are different surgery options available for patients who have been diagnosed with herniated discs.

What should you not do with a L4 L5 disc bulge?