Hello,
I'm sorry about your back. I don't know about any statistics on the bulging verses herniating as mine tend to herniate. I have seven herniated discs in my neck and back and with my back being so unstable, neurosurgeons won't touch me.
Please, just be really careful. As careful as you can, cause once they herniate, that's it. But, if they are buldged, if you take it easy, take anti-inflamatories, they can go down and you won't need surgery.
Good luck to you,
Linda