Whats a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc…?
There are many different terms used to describe spinal disc pathology and associated pain, such as “herniated disc”, “pinched nerve”, and “bulging disc”, and all are used differently by doctors. Unfortunately, there is no agreement in the healthcare field as to the precise definition of any of these terms, and patients are often frustrated when they hear their diagnosis referred to in various terms by different practitioners. Additional terms such as ruptured disc, torn disc (or disc tear), slipped disc, collapsed disc, disc protrusion, disc disease, and black disc often add to a patient’s confusion. Rather than try to reconcile the terminology used to refer to disc problems, it’s generally more useful for patients to gain a clear understanding of the precise medical diagnosis, which identifies the actual cause of the patient’s low back pain, leg pain, or other symptoms.
