Question 1

can a herniated disk at l5-s1 protruding centrally into the thecal sac affect a person's bowel movements?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Be careful.
Qauda equine syndrome, a rare disorder affecting the bundle of nerve roots (cauda equina) at the lower (lumbar) end of the spinal cord, is a surgical emergency. If patients with cauda equina syndrome do not get fast treatment to relieve the pressure, it can result in permanent paralysis, impaired bladder and/or bowel control, loss of sexual sensation, and other problems.

Question 2

what are symptoms of herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Back / arm/leg Pain: The most frequent symptom of a herniated disc in the lower back is pain radiating from this region into one or both of the legs. Similarly, in the cervical spine, pain radiates into the arms.

Question 3

can you over-treat a herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can: You can over treat any disease. It all depends what the complains of the patient are. If the pain is very minimal and the person can control it with over the counter medication, every other form of treatment would be considered over treatment. On the other hand, there are forms of disc herniation that fail all conservative measures and need surgery. Every case is unique and requires common sense.

Question 4

what are the tests for herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

History, exam, MRI: The person's story (history) usually makes the diagnosis. The physical examination will tend to confirm it. Tests like MRI and ct (with or without contrast dye) simply indicate where the herniation is. Sometimes other problems cause similar symptoms and signs, so the MRI or ct are necessary if invasive treatment is being considered.

Question 5

will a herniated disk go away by itself?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: If the herniation is acute (just happened) a common course is that these issues resolve on their own within 6-8 weeks. Often physical therapy and anti-inflammatories are important in the healing process. If the pain does not resolve with these conservative measures or is accompanied by lower extremity weakness/numbness you should seek the care of an expert as soon as possible.

Question 6

how serious is a having a herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on size, amount of inflammation, location (neck, mid back, low back, against spinal cord, against nerve but not cord). Sometimes it keeps nerves or spinal cord from working properly. Other times it causes pain. Sometimes it is silent (no symptoms, problems). Most improve with time. Treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are, whether or not they are worsening, & how long they last.

Question 7

what do you recommend for herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Proper evaluation: This needs  an appropriate evaluation. How much damage is it  causing.  A few need immediate emergency surgery while  most  need appropriate physical therapy. In some cases injection of corticosteroids in the back  in a location called  the epidural space between the spinal cord and  the vertebrae, this is done to decrease swelling around the disk to decrease  pain and let the herniation resolve.

Question 8

can i join the navy with a herniated disk?

Accepted Answer

Don't know: If you have symptoms as a result the cervical disc herniation such as arm pain, numbness and tingling or associated leg weakness and gait disturbance; i would recommend that you correct the condition prior to enlistment. If you are not symptomatic, then i can see no contraindications. Suggest you check with the appropriate recruiting offices for the army, navy, airforce & marines.

Question 9

does a herniated disk get worse over time?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: If you continue with physical therapy and avoid/limit activities that impact more on the disc it should stabilize and minimize related discomfort/problems.

Question 10

can a slip & fall  cause a herniated  disk?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Anything that causes an increase in vertical pressure on your back can cause a herniated disc. Commonly, sudden weight in your hands, like a heavy box suddenly sliding off the back of a truck so you're bearing its full weight. Slipping and falling into a sitting position can do it. Do not rush to have surgery. Have the nerves and the bones checked out by a doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Disk herniated person

A member asked:

Can a herniated disk at l5-s1 protruding centrally into the thecal sac affect a person's bowel movements?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of herniated disk?

A member asked:

Can you over-treat a herniated disk?

A member asked:

What are the tests for herniated disk?

A member asked:

Will a herniated disk go away by itself?

A member asked:

How serious is a having a herniated disk?

A member asked:

What do you recommend for herniated disk?

A member asked:

Can i join the navy with a herniated disk?

A member asked:

Does a herniated disk get worse over time?

A member asked:

Can a slip & fall cause a herniated disk?

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