Why would I have bulging discs in my spine?

Question

The CT scan showed my l4 and l5 discs are bulging, but I don't understand why that would happen. I'm only 24, and I haven't had any major injuries or accidents, and I have a boring office job with little to no lifting. Any insights on why someone like me might have that?

Also, I'd like to prevent these bulges from turning into full on herniations as much as possible. I'd welcome any insights on how to do that as well.

thanks

Answer 1

I'm no doctor, but i am an anatomy student so heres an IDEA:
(i say idea b/c i don't want you to take it as a professional opinion)
It may be genetics, maybe you overstretched it, like in a yoga class?
You'd need to ask your doctor, but does it matter how you did it? All you really need to know is how to fix it. Ask your doctor about light stretching excersises. For example, in the morning you would get out of bed and lean over until your hands meet the floor. of course, ASK YOUR DOCTOR FIRST!
So, call your physician and ask him/her about it.
Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

I do MRI for a living and see a lot of spines. It is pretty unusual for a healthy 24 year old female with good muscle mass and normal weight and no history of trauma to have bulging discs. On the other hand, L4 and L5 are the ones to go when problems start. AND couch potatoes are often the ones who get problems because they are in poor shape and then stress the spine when the actually go ahead and participate in something heavy.

You should get advice from a good orthopedic specialist.
You should also seek the advice of a chiropractor who has a lot of experience with young people who have similar diagnosises.

A physical therapist and an exercise physiologist may also be helpful---all depending on their expertise and experience level.

A bone density scan may be useful in the future to know if your bones are leaning towards osteoporosis.

I suspect you will be advised to start a moderate exercise program to strengthen the supporting structures and to keep the back flexible.

Nutrition is very important. Healthy food, antioxidants, green and leafy, low fat, ...you have heard it all before.

I would act now to try and improve the situation. Ask the Doc what caused the problem.

Also

Additionally, some people just have a very erect comformation, i.e, they do not have the typical primary curve, 'Lumbar Lordosis'
This is hereditary. The luck of your genes. It is hard to improve your shape if you have this very upright back. But good exercise will not hurt.
try this site they have a good general set of info
www.back.com/anatomy-lumbar.html
look at non surgical and anatomy.

Answer 3

hi, i also have three herniated discs in my lower spine which are very painful. is it possible that you might have a hereditary condition? mine was from lifting but i can tell you that heating pads and hot baths can greatly relieve the pain. also a sponge matress.a pain management center can help you greatly with the pain. also, check for alternative treatments such as " enhanced external counter pulsation", it is non invasive and can enhance natural healing. hope you feel better.