Is a mild disc bulge normal?

This can cause anxiety for patients who worry they are developing a serious spinal problem. However, studies have shown over and over, that disc bulges are incredibly common, and can be seen on MRIs of people without back pain or spine problems.

Does a mild disc bulge require surgery?

Most herniated discs do not require surgery. In approximately 9 out of 10 people, symptoms will resolve over days to weeks. Some people who have a herniated disc do not experience any symptoms at all. Sometimes, however, the herniated disc presses against a nerve in the spinal column.

Can a mild disc bulge get worse?

A bulging disc can create pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates through the body. Over time, the symptoms will worsen and the problem will get worse over time.

Can mild disc bulges heal?

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.

How serious is disc bulge?

Is it serious? Bulging disks increase the likelihood of a herniated disk, which can be painful, affect mobility, and limit a person’s daily functioning and quality of life. Bulging disks can also lead to weakness or numbness in the legs and poor bladder control.

When is L5 S1 surgery necessary?

The most common indications for L5 S1 fusion include: Low back disc degeneration Slipped disc (spondylolisthesis) Spinal Bone Fracture Recurrent Disc Herniation Pain radiating down leg (Sciatica ) Curvature (Scoliosis) Narrowing of the Canal (Stenosis) Failed Spine Surgery with Instability.

How do you tell if a bulging disc is getting worse?

Some people’s legs or feet feel numb or tingly. The pain from a herniated disc usually is worse when you are active and gets better when you are resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving, and bending forward may make the pain worse.

Do disc bulges go away?

How is a mild disc bulge treated?

Common treatment for spinal injuries should include rest, physical therapy, exercise and medications. The aim of any treatment for bulging disc injury is to allow the torn fibers of the annulus to heal with time and to encourage the return of fluid to the centre of the disc.

What happens when you have an L5-S1 disc bulge?

When you have an L5-S1 disc bulge or herniation, that irritates the local L5 or S1 spinal nerves. Some parts of these nerves go down the leg causing sciatica. However, other parts head back toward the spine and tell the local multifidus muscles what to do.

Can a bulge or herniated disc cause pain without nerve root compression?

These studies show that not only can disc herniation or bulge cause pain without nerve root compression, but there can be internal disc disruption of the annulus with apparent MR/CT changes that can cause pain.

What are the signs and symptoms of L5 retrolisthesis over S1 vertebrae?

Minimal retrolisthesis of L5 over S1 vertebrae. Mild diffuse annular bulge of L4-5 disc with small annular tear mildly compressing ventral & ventrolateral aspects of thecal sac and exiting nerve roots at both sides. Mild posterior bulge of L5-S1 disc mildly indenting exiting nerve roots.

What are the symptoms of lumbar bulging discs?

Specific Lumbar bulging discs can also result in weakness, numbness and tingling in the legs, as well as muscle spasms. Bulging disc symptoms can worsen with coughing, sneezing and bending. When a lumbar bulging disc exerts pressure on the sciatic nerve, the resulting symptoms are commonly referred to as sciatica.