Disc Bulges Don't Always Mean Pain: What the Science Really Says

Introduction

Ever had an MRI and been told you have a ‘bulging disc’ or ‘degenerative disc disease’? Cue panic. You might have imagined a future of chronic pain, limited mobility, or even surgery. But here’s the surprising truth: these changes are a normal part of aging—and often have nothing to do with pain.

Disc Changes Are a Normal Part of Healthy Ageing

A 2015 systematic review published in The American Journal of Neuroradiology examined MRI findings in pain-free individuals and found that many had disc degeneration, bulges, or herniations—despite having zero symptoms. This challenges the common belief that disc changes automatically mean pain and disability.

So, what’s really going on? Let’s break it down.

The Science: What the Research Shows

Brinjikji et al. (2014) analysed imaging studies of over 3,000 asymptomatic individuals. Here’s what they found:

• 30% of 20-year-olds had disc degeneration without pain.

• 50% of 40-year-olds had disc bulges, despite no symptoms.

• 96% of 80-year-olds had disc degeneration—again, many without pain.

  
  

These findings suggest that disc changes can be as normal as wrinkles—they happen over time and don’t necessarily cause issues.

Does that mean disc changes are never the matter when it comes to pain? Unfortunately its not that simple. From time to time the disc really is a big cause of pain, like when the disc presses on nerves. 

This is where guidance from a skilled physiotherapist or doctor can be so valuable. They can assess the whole clinical picture alongside any imaging findings and guide you on whether your disc changes are relevant to your pain and symptoms, and to what degree. 

Practical Takeaway

✅ Don’t panic if your MRI shows disc changes—many people have them without pain.

✅ Don’t rely on scans alone – Your pain experience is influenced by many factors, including stress and movement habits.

✅ Move with confidence – Avoiding movement out of fear can make things worse. A physiotherapist can guide you on what’s safe.

Conclusion

Disc changes are common, often painless, and should not be a cause for alarm.

Discuss your scan findings with an appropriate healthcare professional who can explain what the findings mean in the context of your symptoms. 

Understanding that pain is a complex, biopsychosocial experience—not just a structural problem—can lead to better outcomes and less unnecessary suffering.

🔹Have you ever had an MRI that made you feel worse about your pain? Drop a comment below and let’s discuss how we can reframe the way we think about back pain!

References

[1] Brinjikji, W., Luetmer, P. H., Comstock, B., Bresnahan, B. W., Chen, L. E., Deyo, R. A., Halabi, S., Turner, J. A., Avins, A. L., James, K., Wald, J. T., Kallmes, D. F., & Jarvik, J. G. (2015). Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations. AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology, 36(4), 811–816. https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A4173