A disc herniation that leans away from the side of herniation is which direction?

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A disc herniation’s direction is described relative to the midline of the spinal canal. When the bulge leans away from the side of the herniation, it tends to project laterally into the foraminal/lateral recess area. That lateral (posterolateral) direction is the typical path because the posterior longitudinal ligament and surrounding structures offer more central resistance, so the nucleus often protrudes toward the side, compressing the exiting nerve root on that same side. Clinically, this lateral herniation produces unilateral radicular symptoms. Central or medial protrusions press toward the thecal sac or midline and tend to cause more bilateral or central symptoms, while posterior alone is a less common pattern for typical radiculopathy.