What is the difference between a disc protrusion and a disc herniation?

Answer by  NYCCDC (311)

A protusion is a disc that has "bulged" but the contents of it remain inside. A prolapse is when the contents have exited the disc as a tear is present.

Answer by  soothsayer (500)

The nucleus pulposus[inner part of the vetebral body] is found to lie outside the vertebral body in case of a hernia which is due to a weak annulus fibrosis[outer part]. In protrusion,the whole disc as a unit slides out of its normal position.

Answer by  bubbyboy (9929)

A disc protrusion lays on the outside of where it should be and a herniated disc comes from a crack in the tough cartilege allows the softer inside material to stick out.

Answer by  DStone (817)

Disc protrusion happens usually after an injury or infection of the area and can be treated with physical therapy. Disc herniation is an inflamation of the disc that needs to be treated by a doctor and can sometimes require surgury. Either way, phsyical therapy can help with treatment and prevention.

Answer by  Rani60 (351)

A disc protrusion is low back pain. Disc protrusion start the lower back region and radiate down one or both legs. Patients back pain,leg pain, weakness of the lower extremity muscles. Patient don't work properly. A herniated disc occurs suddenly in an event such as a fall, an accident, or occurs gradually with repetitive straining of the spine.

Answer by  champaign9497 (11977)

Protrussion means that it is sticking out herniation means errupting or trying to crumble and fall apart. Your doctor will be able to break it down and explain it to you much better so you can understand it.