Bulging Discs and Herniated Discs

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A herniated disc 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 disc. It is one of the most common causes of lower back pain, as well as leg pain or “sciatica.”

Between 60% and 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point their lives. 

A herniated disc is most often the result of natural, age-related wear and tear on the spine. This process is called disk degeneration. In children and young adults, disks have high water content. As people age, the water content in the disks decreases and the discs become less flexible. The discs begin to shrink and the spaces between the vertebrae get narrower. This normal aging process makes the discs more prone to herniation.

A traumatic event, such as a fall, can also cause a herniated disc.