The difference between a bulging disc and a herniated disc is that a herniation is more serious than a bulge, and the symptoms of a herniated disc are relatively more obvious. 1. Severity: Lumbar disc bulging is also a type of lumbar disc herniation, but it is usually the mildest herniation, usually only the nucleus pulposus protrudes backward but the annulus fibrosus is not broken, while in lumbar disc herniation, the nucleus pulposus has already broken through the annulus fibrosus, and reached the annulus fibrosus and the posterior longitudinal ligament between the disc bulging and the posterior longitudinal ligament. 2. Symptoms: Lumbar disc bulge usually does not cause obvious clinical manifestations, while lumbar disc herniation is usually accompanied by pain and numbness in the lumbar region as well as pain and numbness in the lower limbs. Patients once found lumbar spine bulging or herniation should be promptly to the hospital for examination, by the doctor for targeted treatment, usually pay attention to develop good living habits, avoid standing, sitting for a long time.