What is the difference between a bulging disk, a slipped disk, and a herniated disk?

It can be confusing when you hear different terms being used for the same
thing. Bulging, slipped and herniated disks are all the same thing. Other names used are: compressed, prolapsed, and ruptured disks.

Your backbone is made up of small bones called vertebrae. There is a gel-like substance between the disks that cushion them and keep them in place. Sometimes, a back injury results in a disk moving and pressing on a nerve. That’s what causes the pain.