Hello, I Was Diagnosed With Mild Disc Bulge (L4 And

Posted on Thu, 13 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 Answered on

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : I also have mild disc bulge from L2-L-5. Physical therapy has not worked. I am 5 weeks in therapy, still in pain. I had a myelogram yesterday.

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is mild pressure over the back nerves.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for posting your query.

I am Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist, and I would try my best to help you.

I have noted your clinical and scan details. Based on this, there is compression of nerves in the lumbar (lower back) region. This compression is due to the bulging of the disc (the disc is the soft tissue located between the vertebral bodies (spine bones). Part of the compression is also because of hypertrophy (thickening) of the ligament (a tissue that holds all the vertebral bodies (bones of the spine) together.

The severity of the compression is mild, and hence, surgery is not needed. If physical therapy does not help, you can opt for epidural injection (at the site of nerve compression).

I hope my answer helps.
Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (4 hours later)

Thank you for your answer. I have mild disc bulges from L 2 to L5 and S 1. I have a lot of pain. I had it in my cervical spine too and injections did nothing. I had 2 surgeries and a spinal cord stimulator. I also have a drop foot. Therefore injections are not my option. Nothing works for pain on me. I’ve been suffering for 9 years

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (0 minute later)

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Specialized pain clinic assessment would help.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back with more information.

It is unfortunate that your pain is refractory to usual treatments for disc disease with nerve compression, which include medications (pregabalin, gabapentin, duloxetine), epidural injections and surgery.

At this stage, it would be useful to get evaluated at a specialized pain clinic for further treatment options.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (20 hours later)

Can any of my test results cause pain in my middle toe in my left foot? It’s very hard to walk on my left foot. I’m just trying to get all the answers I can

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (0 minute later)

Can any of my test results cause pain in my middle toe in my left foot? It’s very hard to walk on my left foot. I’m just trying to get all the answers I can

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, L5 and S1 nerves supply middle toe.

Detailed Answer:
The nerve supply of middle toe is derived from L5 nerve (on top) and S1 nerve (at bottom). So, disc bulges at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels can compress L5 and S1 nerves, leading to pain in middle toe.

However, pain due to the compression of these nerves usually cause pain in all the toes. If there is pain in a single toe, local causes need to be excluded (which can be done with an X-ray of the toe).

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng