what is a disc bulge with a superimposed disc herniation ? i have them @ l5-s1, l4-l5, l1-l2& moderate to large one in the right neural foramen @l3-l4

Question

I had an MRI of my lower lumbar spine, what was found was, boarderline disc bulging seen at l5-s1, l4-l5, l3-l4, l1-l2, t12-l1, t i had an MRI of my lower lumbar spine, what was found was, boarderline disc bulging seen at l5-s1, l4-l5, l3-l4, l1-l2, t12-l

Answer 1

Poor terminology: Radiologists have been employed to use nomenclature and terminology guidelines published in 2001 to describe disc pathology. Unfortunately your radiologist didn't do this. Anyway, this means that the disc has some diffuse widening (bulging) most likely along with some areas where material from the inside of the disc has leaked to the outside (disc extrusion).

Answer 2

Multiple Pathologies: A disc bulge is just what it sounds like: a circumferential enlargement of the disc that is broad based in general. A disc herniation usually is either a protrusion or extrusion. A protrusion is one where the base (the part that attaches to the disc) is larger than the part that extends out. An extrusion is one where the base is smaller than the part that extends out suggesting it worse.

Answer 3

Depends: You need to get into a good orthopod or neurosurgeon to see if they can help you.

Answer 4

See a specialist: U should see either orthopedic, neurosurgeon, neurologist, rehab doctor. Etc medication is not a cure.

Answer 5

I hope so: I would suggest that you seek a second opinion with a spine specialist. I hope that you can get better. Good luck.

Answer 6

Not the same Job: There is correlation that if you have been off work for greater than 6 months from low back pain issues, you will likely never return to that same job again. I would suggest you consider a job change or get vocational rehab involved to discuss your options or need for new training for a job. When one door closes another opens up. Never give up!

Answer 7

Dizzy: Dizziness in the absence of nausea changes in vision weknees in a side of your body no fever or bowel trouble clear thinking suggests middle ear issues viral infection of the ear can do this this is self limited.

Answer 8

Postural hypotension: You may have postural hypotension from getting out of bed to rapidly. When lying flat in bed , blood tends to stagnate in the lower extremites. If you jump up to rapidly it takes a second or two before enough blood reaches the brain therby causing dizziness.

Answer 9

Ear problem?: Did you have an ear ache recently. Do you have water in your ear from swimming?, have you had a recent head injury? These are questions that need answers? If the dizziness persists, go to local er for evaluation as soon as possibile.

Answer 10

Various: A disc bulge can be variable in size and more of a problem in certain areas than others. Did you injure it? Was it spontaneous? Do you suffer local pain, areas of numbness, referred pain or muscular dysfunction? After evaluation by your orthopedic surgeon, and institution of proper medication and physical therapy, the bulge should gradually improve over a period of weeks to months.

Answer 11

Depends: A disc bulge can be variable in size and more of a problem in certain areas than others. Did you injure it? Was it spontaneous? Do you suffer local pain, areas of numbness, referred pain or muscular dysfunction? After evaluation by your orthopedic surgeon, and institution of proper medication and physical therapy, the bulge should gradually improve over a period of weeks to months.

Answer 12

Depends: A herniated disc can cause back pain as well as foot pain by physically pressing on the nerves that travel to the foot and by irritating them through the extrusion of pro-inflammatory disc materials. Physical therapy and other conservative measures, including medication management, are considered first line treatment. If these fail, your physician may recommend epidural steroid injections.

Answer 13

Depends: Most bulging discs are asymptomatic. And, just because you have a bulging disc, that does mean that it is the cause of back pain. But if you are having pain, the nsaids and physical therapy usually helps. In pt you souled work on a program of stretching, strengthening, and core stabilization. You should also be taught a home program of exercise.

Answer 14

Depends: If there is no neurological deficit, conservative care can be tried with pt/chiro and medication managements. Epidural steroid injections can be considered. Rarely, surgery is required.

Answer 15

Usually: There are not absolute definitions for either a herniated or bulging disc. What i may call a bulging disc another doctor might call herniated. In general though a herniated disc is actually protruding or hanging out of the normal disc space. A bulging disc is protruding less. Think of a drop of water, the bulging disc is the drop about to fall and the herniated disc is the drop that is falling.

Answer 16

Yes: Disc bulges are normal variants of a disc, not an issue that should cause a problem almost like the way radial tires on a car bulge a little to the sides as they contact the road. This occurs with disc loading as well. A disc herniation is an actual disruption of the disc's coating layers allowing disc material to move out of a normal position. This is a more frequent finding as we age.

Answer 17

Symptoms and size: A bulging disc is similar to your tire that has lost some air and the sidewall bulges. It may cause no symptoms but if it bulges more and is large even to pinch a nerve we use the term herniated disc. It is confusing for patients and for doctors who read the reports. The patients' history and clinical exam must be correlated with the x-rays.

Answer 18

Synonyms: The terms bulging disk, slipped disk, herniated disk are roughly the same idea that they disc has moved out of place where it should be and possibly compressing nerve or spinal cord. Typically though herniated disk signifies a slight increase in severity of pathology over a bulging disc. It gets a little more specific if terms like disc protrusion and disc extrusion come into the mix.

what is a disc bulge with a superimposed disc herniation ? i have them @ l5-s1, l4-l5, l1-l2& moderate to large one in the right neural foramen @l3-l4

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