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The Curious Bag
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The spinal column is made up of several bones (vertebrae) with tough cartilage cushions (disks) between them. As the disks age, it is normal for them to "bulge" or go into the space where they once did not.
Spinal Column Naming
The sections of the spinal column are (from top to bottom): cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum and coccyx. Vertebrae are named by initial and position number (for example, C1 is the top cervical vertebrae) and the disks are defined by the vertebrae that surround them (for example, C1-2 disk).
Bulging vs. Herniated Disks
According to the Mayo Clinic, bulging disks are fully intact, but are being squeezed between the vertebrae and, therefore, push outward. A herniated disk has broken through its outer cartilage so its softer insides come out.
Significance
Bulging disks are considered to be a normal condition as the body ages. They typically don't have any other symptoms other than the shape change.
Misconceptions
Some people mistakenly use the terms "bulging disk" and "herniated disk" interchangeably. This is misleading as a herniated disk is a much more serious condition.
What If You Have Pain?
If a bulging disk is causing pain by pinching the nerves, you might need anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy or surgery.
Source:
Mayo Clinic article on Herniated Disks vs. Bulging Disks
Oregon Health & Science University article on Lumbar Disc Disease
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