DISC HERNIATION & DEGENERATION · PATIENT EDUCATION · LOGANSPORT, IN
Disc Herniation vs. Bulge vs. Degeneration: What MRI Words Mean
The report isn’t the diagnosis. The pattern is.
MRI language can sound scary. The good news: the most important question is whether the imaging matches your symptoms and exam. Here’s how to interpret common terms without panic.
Educational only. Not medical advice. For red flags, seek urgent medical care.
The 3 Things That Matter More Than “Scary Words”
- Symptom map: back-only pain vs. pain traveling into the leg/foot or arm/hand
- Triggers: sitting, bending, coughing/sneezing, walking tolerance, position relief
- Exam findings: strength, reflexes, sensation, range of motion, nerve tension signs
Common MRI Terms—Plain English
Disc bulge
A broader “push out.” Can be incidental or symptomatic depending on inflammation and nearby nerves.
Herniation / protrusion
A more focal displacement. When symptoms match (radiating pain, tingling, weakness), it may be more relevant.
Degeneration / dehydration
Disc aging changes. Common. Relevance depends on how your spine tolerates load + motion.
Stenosis / narrowing
Less space for nerves. Some people do fine; others notice walking tolerance changes or nerve symptoms.
Nerve root contact / compression
More likely to matter when symptoms travel and exam shows nerve irritation (especially weakness changes).
Annular tear
A change in the disc’s outer ring. Can be painful or quiet; again, the pattern + exam matters.
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