Disc Injuries

These terms describe various stages of disc displacement – the breakdown of the outer fibers of the disc and the squeezing of the nucleus through the weakened layers.

The initial stage of disc displacement is the weakening of the annulus fibrosis (fibrous outer layers of the disc) through years of poor posture. Once the annulus begins to give way, a bulge forms as the nucleus is pushed partway through the weakened fibers. Finally, the disc wall may tear, or rupture, allowing material from the nucleus to escape.

It may be difficult to determine whether a disc has actually ruptured or is simply bulging. To add to the confusion, terms such as “herniated disc” often are used to refer to either stage.

Ruptured or not, a bulging disc can put pressure on the adjacent nerve root, causing pain. Conversely, a ruptured disc may remain symptom-free if it is not pressing on a nerve.