Which is more severe: lumbar disc bulge or disc protrusion?

Lumbar disc bulge and disc protrusion both fall under the category of lumbar disc diseases, but they represent different stages of the condition. Generally speaking, lumbar disc protrusion is more severe.

A lumbar disc bulge occurs in the early stage of lumbar disc degeneration. The main characteristic is that the disc's nucleus pulposus begins to exert pressure on the annulus fibrosus and surrounding tissues, but has not yet ruptured through the annulus. At this stage, patients usually experience only mild lower back pain and rarely develop significant nerve root symptoms.

Lumbar disc bulge can often be managed with conservative treatment methods to relieve symptoms, such as bed rest to relax the lower back, physical therapy to improve local blood circulation and reduce inflammation, and traction to widen the intervertebral space and alleviate pressure on the nerves.

Lumbar disc protrusion indicates a further progression of lumbar disc degeneration. The nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus and protrudes into the spinal canal, thereby compressing the nerve roots or cauda equina, causing more severe symptoms such as lower back and leg pain. Treatment for lumbar disc protrusion is relatively more challenging, and some patients may require surgical intervention to remove the protruding disc tissue, relieve nerve compression, and restore normal function of the lumbar spine.

Although lumbar disc protrusion is generally more severe in terms of overall progression, due to individual differences among patients, the actual severity can vary.