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How does a doctor test for a bulging lower back discs?

Updated: 8/20/2019
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9y ago

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Your doctor will do straight leg rising test. Normally you should be able to bend leg to 90 degree. when your disc protrudes, you may not be able to do the leg rising test.

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Q: How does a doctor test for a bulging lower back discs?
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Can the bulging disc in neck travel to lower back?

The pain from a bulging disc in your neck can travel to the lower back. The actual bulging disc condition will not move or spread.


Symptoms and Treatments for Bulging Discs?

A bulging disc occurs when the cartilage between spinal vertebrae weaken and exert pressure on adjacent nerves. It is the the outer wall of the cartilage or annulus that is affected. The jelly-like fluid inside the disc, which is called pulposus, becomes displaced as a result and creates undue pressure in the affected areas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bulging discs can affect the lower and upper back as well as the neck or cervical area of the spine. However, the most common types of bulging discs are those that occur between the L-4 and L-5 lumbar vertebrae in the curve of the lower back. Bulging discs can be highly painful and disabling. They are often caused by accidents or heavy lifting. Most doctors recommend that bulging disc sufferers rest when they suspect such an injury. They can then verify the injury through a Cat Scan or MRI. The problem with bulging discs is that they can turn into herniated or ruptured discs, where the pulposus actually flows outside the cartilage. The disc has a much better chance of repairing itself when the pulposus remains inside the disc. Most doctors prescribe medications like ibuprofen for bulging discs. People can also apply ice to the affected area at 20-minute intervals. Once the inflammation subsides, heat can be used to facilitate the healing process. Heat promotes blood flow. Blood contains oxygen and nutrients which can help heal the bulging disc. A doctor may also recommend certain exercises for bulging discs, once the pain and inflammation have been minimized. Exercise helps strengthen muscles around the injury, which provides better support for the bulging disc. One exercise involves lying on the floor and pulling both knees up to the chest. Hold the motion for five seconds, then bring both feet back to the floor simultaneously. Individuals can also alternately pull one leg at a time to the chest. Pressing the lower back to the floor is another strength-building exercise. Those with cervical bulging discs can hold both hands up at right angles and pull their arms back to strengthen muscles in the neck and traps.


What are the symptoms of bulging disc?

Some of the symptoms associated with the medical condition bulging discs would be pain in the lower back, legs and hips. More serious symptoms are numbness, joint weakness or bowel/urinary incontinence which if present you are advised to seek help immediately.


What is central disc bulge in L4-L5 and L5-S1?

A bulging disc is a condition that occurs when there is a tear in the outer ring of one of your intervertebral discs, causing the soft portion to bulge out and out of place. If you have a bulging disc, you should definitely get it checked out asap in case it gets worse. If you start feeling pain from bulging discs, I would suggest trying to use some natural methods to relieve the pain - I found some great methods that helped with my back pain - see related links.


Nueral foraminal stenosis?

Neural foraminal stenosis is a condition in which a spinal nerve is compressed, causing pain and numbness of the lower back or the neck. It can be caused by herniated or bulging discs, bone spurs, or collapse of the spinal disc space.


What is a disc bulging?

A dorsal disc bulge is the most dangerous to correct because of the spinal cord. The diffuse dorsal disc bulge causes pain in the side of the back, tingling in the torse, all the way to the lower extremities, and lack of strength in lower extremities.


What is the cause of lower back pain and what is the remedy?

Lower back pain can be caused by a number of issues such as a bulging or herniated disc, spinal stenosis or a pulled muscle among other things. Visit your doctor.


Where are the intervertebral discs located?

the lumbar region (lower back)


How can I tell if back pain might be related to a bulging disc?

The only way you could tell is if you go and see a doctor. If the back pain is really severe, then you should definitely pay a visit to a doctor to see if it is bulging disc.


How to Heal a Bulging Disc?

To heal a bulging disc, it's important to first seek a medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly epidural steroid injections. In some cases, surgery may be recommended. It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms.


What is disc bulg at L4 L5 and L5 S1?

Bulging discs are fairly common in both young adults and older people. They are not cause for panic. In fact, abnormalities that show up on MRIs, such as bulging or protruding discs, are seen at high rates in patients both with and without back pain. Most likely, some discs begin to bulge as a part of both the aging process, and the degeneration process of the intervertebral disc. A bulging disc is not necessarily a sign that anything serious is happening to your spine. A bulging disc becomes important when it bulges enough to cause narrowing of the spinal canal. If there are bone spurs present on the facet joints behind the bulging disc, the combination may cause narrowing of the spinal canal in that area. This is sometimes referred to as segmental spinal stenosis. The human spine is made up of 26 bones; grouped as follows: * 7 Cervical Vertebrae - in the neck * 12 Thoracic Vertebrae - that articulate 12 pairs of ribs * 5 Lumbar Vertebrae - lower back * Sacrum - Fusion 5 of Sacral Vertebrae of lower back * Coccyx - 'tailbone' which is a fusion of 4 Coccygeal Vertebrae In between these vertebrae we have our discs (shock absorbers)


How do you fix a bulging disc?

A bulging disc occurs when there is a tear in your vertebral discs, causing the inner soft portion to stick out, or bulge. You can get a bulged disc from injury to your spine - for example, like a car accident. If you have a bulging disc, you should get checked out by a professional. I had a friend who suffered intense back pain because of her bulged disc and resorted to natural healing methods which have helped her a lot. See related link.