The Disc

• Discs are little spongy areas in the spinal column that are shock absorbers for the spinal cord and help keep the spine flexible.
  
  

Herniated Disc

• A herniated disc occurs when the gel inside the disc pushes out and breaks the outside of the disc. The gel crowds nerves and cause pain. Some causes are injury, twisting or wear and tear over time.
  
  

Symptoms - Herniated

• Symptoms of herniated disc are numbness, pain and weakness to the back and legs if nerves are involved. If no nerves are involved, you may have a backache or no pain; X-rays are then used to diagnose these.
  
  

Bulging Disc

• A bulging disc is not broken and no material is spilling out. This disc is pushing out of its regular place on the column. It is considered the precursor to a herniated disc.
  
  

Symptoms - Bulging

• The symptoms of a bulging disc are numbness and tingling down the legs into the feet with nerve involvement. With no nerve involvement, you may have a backache or no pain.