Bulging disk: How is it different than a herniated disk?

A bulging disk occurs naturally from age-related wear and tear of the spine with use. It is almost always painless. A bulging disk may be discovered incidentally on computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done for some other reason. A bulging disk doesn't require treatment.

The same wear and tear that causes bulging can allow the softer, central cartilage of the disk to protrude through a crack in the fibrous ring that surrounds the disk. Doctors refer to this protrusion as a herniated disk. This can be painful. Treatment of a herniated disk may include rest, pain medications, cortisone injections, heat or cold therapy and surgery.