A bulging disc is when the jelly-like fluid inside the disc begins to bulge out of the tissue without fully rupturing. This can happen as a normal part of aging, or when excessive force is put on the spine, such as in a traffic accident or high-impact sport. Some people who have a bulging disc experience no pain at all, while others experience severe pain that keeps them off their feet. If needed, bulging discs can be treated with physical therapy and pain management injections to help reduce inflammation and discomfort. A herniated disc occurs when a bulge begins to tear through the tough outer layer of tissue, causing the jelly-like fluid inside the disc to protrude out. This leaked fluid can press against the spinal cord that runs behind the discs, causing pain, tingling, weakness or numbness that radiates down the arms or legs. Herniated discs can be treated with physical therapy, pain management injections and possibly surgery if the condition is more severe.