Are Disc Protrusions the Same as Herniations?

But in some cases, the nucleus pushes completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc. This is called a disc herniation or protrusion. Herniation and protrusion are two words for the same thing. If a piece of the disc breaks off, it's called a sequestered fragment.

What does disc protrusion mean?

Disc protrusion is a type of spinal disc herniation. Disc herniation is a common form of intervertebral disc damage that's caused by age, natural wear and tear, traumatic accidents (falls, car accidents, sports collisions), overuse or repetitive use injuries, obesity and genetics.

Do disc herniations reabsorb?

Several studies using CT and MRI have demonstrated that the largest lumbar intervertebral disc herniations have the greatest ability to regress over time.