what is a disc buldge? and what is narrowing of the left neural foramina with compression of existin nerveroot

Question

i had 2 surgeries i herniated disc removal , l5-s1, then a spinal fusion l5-s1.still in pain and had an mri yesterday. the results say...1- post-decompression @ the level of l5-s1 as described above with questionable area of scaring vs.debris present in the left neural foramina which is contributing to moderate narrowing of the left neural formina with compression of the left exiting nerve root...#2...disc bulge @ the level of l3-l4 and l4-l5..? can anyone break it down 4 me?.... does it meen i have 2 more herniations in my discs?...and do i have a pinched nerve? thanks 4 your time...derrick cooper.

Answer 1

you do have 2 additional bulging discs at L3-4 and L4-5, but those are not specifically mentioned to be impinging on the nerve roots. the post-surgical changes at L5-S1, described as either scar tissue or debris, are noted to be compressing the left nerve root. that would likely be the source of your symptoms. just having a bulging disc in and of itself wouldn't cause any pain unless the disc was pressing against a nerve. the disc itself has no pain sensory nerves. it's thought that if you got MRIs on everyone, almost 50% of people would have bulging discs and not even know about it because they wouldn't have any symptoms.

bottom line is you need to go back to your surgeon.

Answer 2

disc buldge
It's a bulge in a spinal disk at a specific point. Usually the result of injury or lifting too much or improperly. A disk bulge can often heal given time and a little common sense. Minor disk injury is common and often we don't even notice unless it starts to push on the spinal column and pinch a nerve. However it can cause inflamation and muscle spasms that can result in incredible pain. Typically, the disk doesn't actually hurt, it's the body's attempt to keep the spine aligned and take pressure from the injured disk that ends up being painful. Muscles will be contracted to take pressure off the inflamed area, resulting in muscle spasm and that's where the pain usually comes from. Take it easy and follow your doctors recommendation and it will get better. Also, slowly build strength and flexibility in the back muscles to minimize the pain from the spasms. You doctor probably gave you some flexibility and strengthening exercises... follow them.

Answer 3

your bulging disc is not related to your neural foramina compressing the nerve root. stretching and light exercise plus maybe an epidural steroid injection at the nerve sight may help relieve the pain, if the shot helps you will need a botox injection at the site to permanently fix it. and it will! the disc will only be helped by exercise, strengthening and life style changes, IE. no slouching, lots of water, no nicotine.

Answer 4

Ruptured disc pressing on a nerve by narrowing the foramin.