No, a normal disc does not bulge; however, with aging and/or injury, the outer anulus fibrosus can tear to allow the nucleus pulposus material to bulge through it resulting in a bulge of the disc. These bulges are commonly found on MRIs of asymptomatic (no pain) patients in about 76% of people. In patients with pain, 96% of their MRIs show disc herniations. (
Boos, Spine 20(24)) Disc bulges and disc herniation occur with age due to degeneration and dehydration of the disc. Varying factors like the size of the spinal canal into which the disc is bulging plays a large role in whether a disc bulge causes pain or not.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."