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MRI Scan Suggests Broad Disc Bulge Which Is Compromising The Central Canal. Need A Surgery?
hi, am 32 yrs old , have a lower back problem for close to 18months. i recently had an MRI scan and the findings were as follows There is a focal bulge at L4/5 with a background broad disc bulge which is in close contact with L4 and L5 nerve roots in the paracentral region and lateral recesses.There is also compromise of the exiting L4 nerve roots in the exit foramina. At L5/S1 level, there ia a mild broad disc bulge which is compromising more of the exiting L5 nerve roots with minimal effects in the central canal. At all other levels ,there is reasonable appeareances of the central canal and exit foramina. The cord terminates at the right level.Minimal desiccation of the L4/5 and L5/S1 discs. Mild facet degenerative changes bilaterally. conclusion There is an L4/5 focal disc bulge on a background of a broad disc bulge which is compromising the central canal and exit foramina particularly on the left side. Less effects on a mild to moderate broad disc bulge at L5/s1.. My doctor recommended me to see a physiologist. What type of exercise should i do?..and what should i not do...? Will this need a surgery...?
Mon, 8 Apr 2013
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Inorder to explain you the MRI findings, I will first give you a brief overview.
The spinal cord is encased in a bony vertebral column.
The adjacent vertebrae are separated by inter vertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and help in friction less movement.
The cord is divided into different levels.
The lumbar spine lies in the lower back and is designated by 'L' and the sacral lies below the lumbar spine designated by 'S'.
There is abnormality in the spine at the level of L4, L5 and S1.
The inter vertebral discs at this level are bulging out and compressing the nerves emanating at this level.
You can experience sensory changes in your thigh and/ or leg.
Initially, conservative measures will be followed eg. bed rest and exercises.
The exercises should be such that do not cause the discs to bulge out and decrease the pressure on the nerves.
You will have to visit a physiotherapist for correct demonstration of exercises becuase awrong move can aggravate the condition.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer.
Kindly, post your feed back before closing the query on HCM.
Thanks and take care.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Inorder to explain you the MRI findings, I will first give you a brief overview.
The spinal cord is encased in a bony vertebral column.
The adjacent vertebrae are separated by inter vertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers and help in friction less movement.
The cord is divided into different levels.
The lumbar spine lies in the lower back and is designated by 'L' and the sacral lies below the lumbar spine designated by 'S'.
There is abnormality in the spine at the level of L4, L5 and S1.
The inter vertebral discs at this level are bulging out and compressing the nerves emanating at this level.
You can experience sensory changes in your thigh and/ or leg.
Initially, conservative measures will be followed eg. bed rest and exercises.
The exercises should be such that do not cause the discs to bulge out and decrease the pressure on the nerves.
You will have to visit a physiotherapist for correct demonstration of exercises becuase awrong move can aggravate the condition.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer.
Kindly, post your feed back before closing the query on HCM.
Thanks and take care.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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