A bulging disc, also known as a herniated disc, is a very common medical condition. Discs act as cushions between spinal vertebrae. They allow the spine to be flexible but they can be damaged. When discs are damaged, the fabric that makes up their outer lining can bulge or even break. This is called "herniation" and can also be referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc as well.Typical Areas of HerniationBulging discs can occur anywhere in the spine, but they are most common in the lower back, known as the lumbar area. The next most common occurrence of a herniated disc is in the cervical spine, the neck. The rarest type of herniation is in the upper spine, known as the thoracic area.What Causes a Bulging Disc?Some people experience a herniated disc with no apparent cause at all. This is usually due to the common wear and tear of aging. More likely, an injury will cause the bulging disc. This is especially true in the lower back, where any type of improper twist or careless lifting can cause injury.What are the Symptoms of a Bulging Disc?Herniated discs press on the nerves of the spine, causing inflammation leading to pain or numbness anywhere along the path of whatever nerves they touch. The most common type of nerve pain is Sciatica, which is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lumbar spine down the leg.How is a Bulging Disc Diagnosed?Patients suffering from bulging discs often find themselves mistakenly treated for something else. This is due to the multitude of symptoms and variety of areas nerve inflammation affects. For example, the sharp pain in the upper leg that Sciatica might cause could be attributed to a pulled or torn hamstring at first. In order to properly diagnose a bulging disc, an MRI or CT scan is a must.How is a Bulging Disc Treated?The first step in treatment of a herniated disc is pain management. Once the patient is able to function painlessly, doctors need to decide on the level of damage incurred to the disc. Some herniations can heal themselves with rest. Other, more extreme cases may require surgery.