A bulging disc happens when the soft cushioning that usually sits between your vertebrae spills over. When this puts pressure on the surrounding nerves, it causes pain. Bulging discs are often caused by age, but repetitive movements or lifting heavy objects can contribute to them too.

Bulging discs (also called slipped discs) happen when the tough outer ring is weakened, and the inner gel material squirts out. The bulge can press on nerves, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in your legs or arms.

A herniated disc (also called "bulging" or "slipped disc") occurs when the outer shell ruptures and the nucleus leaks out. While minor cases may be asymptomatic or cause mild pain, a herniated disc can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the back, neck, limbs, or buttocks.

A herniated disk is a condition that can occur anywhere along the spine, but most often occurs in the lower back. It is sometimes called a bulging, protruding, or ruptured disk. It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, as well as leg pain, or sciatica.