Is a bulging disc defined as the soft center of a spinal disc pushing through a crack in the tougher exterior casing?

The correct answer is "False." A bulging disc does not occur due to the soft center of a spinal disc pushing through a crack in the tougher exterior. Instead, a bulging disc refers to a situation where the disc, which is made up of a tougher outer layer known as the annulus fibrosus, begins to protrude outward but the inner gel-like nucleus pulposus does not breach the outer layer. This condition typically involves the disc bulging symmetrically or evenly around its circumference, without any tears in the annulus.

On the other hand, when the nucleus pulposus escapes through a tear in the annulus, this condition is referred to as a herniated disc. Understanding the distinction between a bulging disc and a herniated disc is crucial in the medical field, as the two conditions can lead to different symptoms and treatment approaches.