Question 1

mri showed a bulging disc and a central annular tear at l5-s1.the disc area was black and tear was sealed over.would a car accident have caused this?

Accepted Answer

Herniated disc: Herniated disc at l5-s1 are common. Car accident might cause it too.

Question 2

does a disc annular repair itself in a l5-s1 bulging disc case?

Accepted Answer

Yes!: We never see them in older adults.

Even for full blown herniations, the discs repair...

http://casereports.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/bcr-2013-201037.

Question 3

what are some good, safe exercises to do with l5/s1 herniated/bulging disc?

Accepted Answer

Prone on Elbows: Hi TamaraR, It is always best to be evaluated by a competent specialist prior to starting exercises. Generally, pain can be relieved by stretching exercises that arch your back. You can lay down prone with elbows resting on the ground and arch your back for 3-5 min at a time. If you have symptoms such as weakness then it may be urgent to see a specialist.
Thank You
Dr. Ayman Omar

Question 4

how often does a l5-s1 bulging disc shrink compared to other discs? and how long does it usually take to shrink?

Accepted Answer

it doesn't: Bulging discs do not shrink and neither do other discs.

Question 5

is it really rare for l5-s1 bulging disc / minor herniation to slip back to its place compared to l4-l5?

Accepted Answer

First, discs don't : "Slip" back into place but the majority resolve just fine over time  90% without any surgery.  If one were to do a follow up MRI from the first one over a 6 month period, 60+% chance of noting the disc resorted or shrink in size . Also, disc bulges are normal findings on imaging studies of the spine and even significant disc herniations can get better without surgery.

Question 6

i have back pains with a bulging disc and pinched nerve in my l4 l5 disc and the neurosurgeon recommended amytriptlene?

Accepted Answer

Very common: Amitriptyline or Elavil (amitriptyline) is an older style antidepressant called a tca (tricyclic antidepressant).  It has been used in recent years for a number of off-label indications including neuropathic pain and sleep.  The dosage prescribed for pain and sleep are usually lower than the dosages prescribed for depression.

Question 7

does a l5-s1 bulging disc hurt the hip? i have noticed that the pain coming from my hips more than anything else..explain please.

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Referral of pain can radiate to several locations.  However, disc bulging at l5-s1 is common and doesn't always have associated pain.  If the hip pain is on both sides, and clearly away from the back and sacroiliac joints, then perhaps a look at the hips as a separate problem should be considered.

Question 8

is it common that a 1 month l5-s1 bulging disc makes my whole back/spine in pain? or its from ddd? i felt pain increased after mckenzie excersies.

Accepted Answer

Common but not DDD: Degenarative disc disease is age related and do noy usually occur at your age of 28 unless you were treated with high doses of steroids for long period of time for some reason, and it will show on the MRI or cat scan which showed the disc bulge.The disc bulge can cause pain in spine and exercises can exaggerate the pain in the back.

Question 9

have a bulging disc with nerve compression at l5/s1,  what distance is safe for me to walk each with a 10kg backpack for me to have no pain . thank u?

Accepted Answer

Get a lumbar pack: Be kind to your back and it will be kind to you.
 Backpacks are hard on the low back. Large fanny packs are known as "lumbar waist packs" allowing one to carry a lot of the weight directly on the hips and decrease back strain. See: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&amp;_nkw=lumbar+fanny+pack&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_from=R40
I do not endorse this particular model, it is only an illustration.

Question 10

can bulging disc at l5-s1 cause pain in the genitals?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Nerve root most commonly compressed by a disc at l5-s1 is the s1 nerve root, less commonly the l5.  Compression of either nerve root would cause pain down the leg, not typically the genitals.

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Doctor answers about:

L5 bulging disc anular tear

A member asked:

Mri showed a bulging disc and a central annular tear at l5-s1.the disc area was black and tear was sealed over.would a car accident have caused this?

A member asked:

Does a disc annular repair itself in a l5-s1 bulging disc case?

A member asked:

What are some good, safe exercises to do with l5/s1 herniated/bulging disc?

A member asked:

How often does a l5-s1 bulging disc shrink compared to other discs? and how long does it usually take to shrink?

A member asked:

Is it really rare for l5-s1 bulging disc / minor herniation to slip back to its place compared to l4-l5?

A member asked:

I have back pains with a bulging disc and pinched nerve in my l4 l5 disc and the neurosurgeon recommended amytriptlene?

A member asked:

Does a l5-s1 bulging disc hurt the hip? i have noticed that the pain coming from my hips more than anything else..explain please.

A member asked:

Is it common that a 1 month l5-s1 bulging disc makes my whole back/spine in pain? or its from ddd? i felt pain increased after mckenzie excersies.

A member asked:

Have a bulging disc with nerve compression at l5/s1, what distance is safe for me to walk each with a 10kg backpack for me to have no pain . thank u?

A member asked:

Can bulging disc at l5-s1 cause pain in the genitals?

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