Bulging Disc and Herniated Disc When the nucleus of a disc pushes the disc wall outward, it is called a bulging disc. When this develops to the point that the annular walls surrounding the nucleus are torn, and the disc material pushes outward, then it is called a herniated disc. A bulging disc in the lumbar region is easy to get because that is where most of the torque from body movement is absorbed. For this reason it is common to have more than one bulging disc. A bulging disc that is not treated is just waiting to become a herniated disc. Causes: Sitting with poor posture or exerting force while bending over. Most back injuries occur in the morning because your discs are naturally swollen and stiffer and thus susceptible to injury. Treatment: Because bulging discs and herniated discs are mechanical problems, they should be treated with Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, the McKenzie Method.