What Is the Difference Between Lumbar Disc Bulging and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Disease description:
It is said that lumbar disc bulging and lumbar spinal stenosis are relatively serious conditions—and coincidentally, these two conditions are often difficult to distinguish from one another. What are the differences between lumbar disc bulging and lumbar spinal stenosis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lin Yunfei
The primary distinction between lumbar disc bulging and lumbar spinal stenosis lies in their definitions. Lumbar disc bulging typically refers to the outward protrusion of the intervertebral disc in the lumbar region, whereas lumbar spinal stenosis may result from either congenital developmental abnormalities—leading to an abnormally narrow spinal canal—or acquired (postnatal) factors. If this condition develops, prompt and active treatment is recommended.
