Does Protrusion Mean Herniated?

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 is the difference between protruding and herniated disc?

"A bulging disc is like letting air out of a car tire. The disc sags and looks like it is bulging outward. With a herniated disc, the outer covering of the disc has a hole or tear. This causes the nucleus pulposus (jelly-like center of the disc) to leak into the spinal canal."

What is a protrusion type herniation?

Contained Herniation (Protrusion)

Contained herniations are often referred to as “bulging discs.” They are caused when there is pressure between the vertebrae that causes the discs to protrude outward. While there is back pain associated with these types of herniations, they can often go unnoticed.