What does broad-based disc protrusion mean?
“A disc is “protruded,” if the greatest plane, in any direction, between the edges of the disc material beyond the disc space is less than the distance between the edges of the base, when measured in the same plane. Protrusions may be “focal” or “broad-based.” (Fardon & Milette, 2001, p. E100).
What is Spondylotic protrusion?
As your vertebral disks wear away with time, your spinal cord can be put under increased pressure as the canal gets narrower from arthritis and disk protrusions. This compression can result in worsening neck pain and other symptoms. This condition is called cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).
What causes broad-based disc protrusion?
Like a herniated disc, the most common cause of a bulging disc is degenerative disc disease. A bulging disc may also be caused by neck or back strain brought on by repetitive movements, lifting heavy objects, and poor posture.
Is a broad-based disc protrusion a herniated disc?
By strict definition, a broad-based herniation involves between 25 and 50% of the disc circumference. A focal herniation involves less than 25% of the disc circumference. Herniated discs may take the form of protrusion or extrusion based on the shape of the displaced or herniated material.
Does a broad based disc bulge require surgery?
A number of studies have shown that large disc extrusions can shrink over time. Some disc injuries, including protruded and extruded discs may do better with surgical decompression, but the natural history of recovery will mean that many people with significant disc injuries do not need surgery.
How serious is a disc protrusion?
Many cases of protruding discs heal naturally with rest and conservative measures. However, disc protrusions that continue to degenerate and press on the spinal cord or nerve roots cause significant pain, weakness, numbness and loss of movement that may require surgery to treat.
What is the best treatment for spondylosis?
Treatment
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), are commonly available without a prescription.
- Corticosteroids. A short course of oral prednisone might help ease pain.
- Muscle relaxants.
- Anti-seizure medications.
- Antidepressants.
Is spondylosis a serious disease?
Spondylosis is common, but it is usually not serious. Many who have it experience no pain, though it can be painful for some. Most patients with spinal osteoarthritis will not need surgery.
Is L4 L5 disc bulge serious?
Most importantly, an L4-L5 disc bulge can lead to prolonged pain and other, more serious conditions like spondylolisthesis if you delay treatment. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra shifts or slips, and can cause significant pain that may require surgery to fix.
What is the treatment for disc protrusion?
A herniated disc is frequently treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, if the pain is only mild to moderate. An epidural steroid injection may be performed utilizing a spinal needle under X-ray guidance to direct the medication to the exact level of the disc herniation.
What happens if spondylosis is not treated?
Without treatment, spondylolysis can lead to spondylolisthesis . In this condition, the fracture causes one of the vertebrae to slip out of place. If the vertebra presses on a nerve, you may have severe pain. In some cases, people need surgery to relieve spondylolisthesis symptoms and get back to full functioning.
What are the warning signs of spondylosis?
Spondylosis Symptoms
- Headaches.
- Loss of bladder control.
- Muscle spasms.
- Pain and soreness in the neck, shoulders, or lower back; pain may worsen with standing (if it originates in the lower back) or moving the head (if it originates in the neck)
- Stiffness.
- Tenderness.
What nerves does L4-L5 affect?
The L4 and L5 nerves (along with other sacral nerves) contribute to the formation of the large sciatic nerve that runs down from the rear pelvis into the back of the leg and terminates in the foot.
Can L4-L5 cause bowel problems?
An injury to the cauda equina may cause severe pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, or paralysis in both legs. There may also be a reduction or complete loss of bowel and/or bladder control.
What is the main cause of spondylosis?
Spondylosis is caused by chronic wear on the spine. This includes the disks or cushions between the neck vertebrae and the joints between the bones of the cervical spine. Over time these changes can press down on (compress) one or more of the nerve roots. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved.
What are the symptoms of L4-L5 nerve damage?
Common symptoms and signs include: Sharp pain, typically felt as a shooting and/or burning feeling that originates in the lower back and travels down the leg in the distribution of a specific nerve, sometimes affecting the foot. Numbness in different parts of the thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes.