answersLogoWhite

0

When looking at the lumbar spine, you will note that between each vertebra is a block of tissue that resembles a hockey puck. This "tissue" is actually a shock absorber that cushions the stress on the spine with bending, twisting, lifting, etc. It has a central area of extremely tough protein-Gelatin like material that is the cushioning part. This gelatin material is surrounded by a ring of thick material that is called the annulus and is layered much like a tire. Think of the outer portion of the annulus as the tread of a tire. There are blood vessels and nerves in the outer layers of this "ring" of tissue. As we get older the central gelatin material begins to dry out and the bending, twisting, heavy lifting begins to put more pressure and weaken this outer ring of fibers. They can actually tear from stress, resulting in a significant amount of pain (picture this as occurring in the center area of the "tread")... When rupturing of this annulus occurs and the thick gelatin material pushes out beyond the annulus we call this a herniated disk. If the material remains within the annulus it is considered “subligamentous”… Imagine looking down on the lumbar spine from above with the abdomen at “NOON”, and the back is at “6 O’clock”… If the herniation occurs at 5 o'clock or 7 o'clock, the herniation can pinch (trap) a nerve as it is preparing to leave the spinal cord and travel down the body, resulting in a severe burning pain and possibly muscle cramps if the nerve travels to the spasming muscle. If the herniation occurs at the NOON position, since no nerves are close by, there is no pain (actually, there can be pain, but it is not from nerves being pinched... there are pain fibers in the disk). If the herniation occurs at the 6 o'clock position no nerves will be trapped or pinched because there is a lot of space in the spinal canal where the spinal cord travels.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What does a small left paracentral disc herniation mean and how serious is it?

A disc herniation can be serious because it can cause severe pain and loss of feeling in your arms and legs. This kind of herniation basically means the rubbery cushion between the bones has moved out of its proper place.


What does left paracentral disc protrusion seen at T9-10 touching the left hemicord mean?

You basically have a herniated disc (slipped disc) in your middle back that's pressing on your spinal cord.


What is left ventricle outflow tract extrusion?

Left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) extrusion refers to a condition where there is abnormal displacement or protrusion of cardiac tissue into the outflow tract of the left ventricle, potentially obstructing blood flow to the aorta. This may occur due to structural abnormalities, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or valvular issues. The extrusion can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or syncope, and may require medical or surgical intervention to alleviate the obstruction and improve blood flow.


What does it mean to have Left paracentral annular tear with asymmetric disc protrusion causing anterior thecal sac compression and mild narrowing of both neural foraminae Can it be cured completely?

What do they do for this. It is some kind of operation done?


Will you need surgery for a L5S1 posterior disc extrusion that fills the left lateral recess contacting the left transiting S2 root?

Whether surgery is needed for an L5-S1 posterior disc extrusion depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the duration of those symptoms, and the response to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication. If the extrusion causes significant pain, neurological deficits, or if conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be recommended. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the best course of action.


What does small inferiorly migrating left paracentral disc protusion at L5-S1 mean?

It means the disk between lumbar 5 and sacral 1 is moving down on the left-center portion of the disk from where it's supposed to be. If you are having low back pain, this is likely a cause.


What is small focus of T2 hyperintensity within the left posterior paracentral disc annulus?

A small focus of T2 hyperintensity within the left posterior paracentral disc annulus typically indicates a possible degenerative change or a minor internal disruption of the intervertebral disc. This hyperintensity on MRI suggests increased water content or inflammation within the disc structure, which may be associated with disc herniation, a tear, or other degenerative disc disease. It is important to correlate these imaging findings with clinical symptoms for appropriate diagnosis and management.


What does it mean broad-based left paracentral foraminal disc protrusion combining with facet arthropathy creating mild overall central stenosis and left lateral redess stenosis at the l4-l5 level?

A broad-based left paracentral foraminal disc protrusion at the L4-L5 level indicates that the intervertebral disc is bulging outwards towards the left side, potentially pressing against nearby nerves. Coupled with facet arthropathy, which is wear and tear of the facet joints, this condition leads to mild central stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and left lateral recess stenosis (narrowing of the area where the nerve root exits). This combination can result in symptoms such as lower back pain, leg pain, or numbness due to nerve compression.


Can the problem of left paracentral disc protrusion at l5-s1 where the disc is abutting the left traversing nerve root be solved without surgery?

I've got the same problem but with a right sided protrusion, my osteopath and sports rehab therapist are confident i can stabilise it with yoga, swimming and area specific strengthening exercises! will let you know....


What does an MRI mean when it says effacement of the fat anterior to the exiting L4 root on the left in the far lateral portion of the foramen?

SOMETHING ISDISPLACING THE ROOT, TYPICALLY A DISCAL HERNIATION. SYMPTOMS INCLUDES PAIN IN ANTEROLATERAL LEG. FIRST-TREATMENT IS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS OR STEROIDS, SECOND PERINEURAL INFILTRATION OF STEROIDS, THIRD SURGERY


If you have a left paracentral disc herniation L5-s1 is surgery the best thing when nothing else has worked?

If conservative treatments for a left paracentral disc herniation at L5-S1—such as physical therapy, medication, and injections—have failed, surgery may be a viable option, particularly if you're experiencing significant pain, weakness, or other neurological symptoms. The decision for surgery should be made in consultation with a spine specialist, considering factors like your overall health, the severity of symptoms, and the impact on your daily life. While surgery can be effective, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and recovery time involved.


Would a left disc extrusion present itself immediately after an accident?

A left disc extrusion may not present symptoms immediately after an accident, as it can take time for inflammation or nerve compression to develop. Some individuals may experience delayed onset of pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Additionally, the body's immediate stress response can mask pain, leading to a later recognition of symptoms. It's important for anyone involved in an accident to monitor their condition and seek medical evaluation if symptoms arise.