Bulges: Discs naturally bulge as we age. Unless there is evidence on MRI and on exam that the disc is actually pushing on some other structure (typically a nerve) then the disc bulge is highly unlikely to be the cause of back pain. Look for other causes (muscles, joints, etc.) as for getting worse with menses, has your doctor considered endometriosis?
Answered 9/30/2018
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First disc bulges do: Not typically cause pain and can be found as a normal variant on imaging studies in people without back pain. Pain in the spine is typically related to an inflammatory issue and girls tend to retain water with start of menstruation. So if soft tissue response is increased swelling as a sign of inflammation, this could explain why you have the pain at that time
Answered 4/7/2015
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