What Is The Difference Between Disc Protrusion And Disc Herniation? Are they the same thing?

Probably the most frequent problems of the back involve the discs which are typically vunerable to compression, tearing or protruding. Two of the most prevalent spinal injuries involve the intervertebral discs. Commonly referred to as disc protrusion and herniated disc, quite a few who experience these conditions are uncertain whether they are actually the same.

Both disc protrusion and herniated disc injuries can be painful and unbearable and may worsen or cause damage of the spine as the patient ages. Muscle weakness, loss of range of motion, arthritis and also numbness in the extremities are common signs caused by a protruding or herniated disc.

Protrusion Versus Herniation

A protruding disc develops when the exterior ring around the disc tears allowing the internal disc to alter shape and protrude through the fibrous layer upon compression. Similar to a gradually leaking car tire, the gelatinous core of the disc gets bigger upon compression and bulges through the disc’s outside wall.

As opposed to a protruding disc, herniated discs are more sudden and painful in character, and may include the fragmentation and subsequent displacement of other tissues in addition to leakage of the soft inner part of the disc.