The best replacement for bulge is protrusion.

The best alternatives to bulge are rated as following:
★★★★★  protrusion
★★★★  herniation
★★★★  disc herniation
★★  green mag
★  herniated disc
★  disc protrusion
★  green magnitude
★  bulge
★  disk herniation
★  extrusion
  generalized disc bulge
  prolapse
  purple k
  lump

Your alternative for bulge is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about bulge, one probably shouldn't forget about annular fissure.

Other search terms related to bulge and their ratings are:
★★★★★ annular fissure
★★★★★ annular tear
★★★ central annular tear
★★★ hernia
You have in mind a companion for bulge and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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bulge
protrusion
herniation