L4-L5: There is a large central, right paracentral disc extrusion extending 8 mm AP by 12 mm craniocaudal, image 6 of series 2. There is effacement of the ventral aspect of the thecal sac and narrowing of the central AP thecal diameter of 7 mm. There is severe left lateral recess stenosis with compression of the exiting left L5 nerve root. Moderate right lateral recess stenosis is also present.

What does all of that medical mumbo jumbo mean? I have a herniated disc.

FYI, none of the pictures of this post are my own, I found them on the internet. Would have been smart of me to take a picture of my own MRI results though wouldn’t it? That’s what separates the mediocre bloggers from the great ones.

But back to the herniated disc…

It’s a term you’ve probably heard before, but unless it has happened to you or someone else you know, you might not know exactly what it means.I love Steven Helper, MD‘s, explanation of what a herniated disc is and how it happens.

Discs, which act as shock absorbers for the spine, are located in between each of the vertebral body in the spine. Each disc contains a tire-like outer band (called the annulus fibrosus) that surrounds a gel-like substance (called the nucleus pulposus).

A herniation occurs when the outer band of the disc partially or fully cracks and the gel-like substance from the inside of the disc leaks out, placing pressure on the spinal canal or nerve roots. In addition, the nucleus releases chemicals that can irritate the surrounding nerves causing inflammation and pain.

While some disc herniations occur as a result of sudden stress, such as from an accident, most occur gradually, over weeks or even months. The risk factors that can contribute to the chances of a disc herniation, include:

  • Aging. As we get older, discs gradually dry out, losing their strength and resiliency.
  • Lifestyle choices. Poor choices include a lack of regular exercise, eating an unhealthy diet, being over-weight, and tobacco use contribute to disc problems.
  • Poor posture, incorrect and/or repetitive lifting or twisting can place additional stress on the lumbar spine.
  • Genetics

You mean I possibly have this herniation because I’m overweight and don’t exercise? I’m such an idiot! What was I thinking getting so fat that one time? Oh bother.

My favorite part of the appointment was when he brought my film out and put it on the lighted board to show me what my disc looks like. Isn’t it amazing to be able to look inside your own body like that? My herniation looks a lot like this one.

The difference between the appointment today and the appointment a month ago was substantial. Previously he tested my reflexes and muscle strength and talked about several months of physical therapy.

Today he walked in and said “Well, you are not crazy. You have a herniated disc.” Yeah for MD’s with a sense of humor! He apologized for bouncing me around and referred me to another Dr. in the practice who specializes in dealing with these situations.

It’s likely that I will end up having an Epidural Steroid Injections. I hate thinking about it because the thought of the needles and having someone in my back for 15 MINUTES makes me want to throw up. But it sounds like the most effective non-surgical option out there for situations like this. Of course I still need to meet with the Dr. who will actually make this happen, so it’s still just a possibility.

For right now, I’m just thrilled to have a diagnosis! I no longer feel like a whiny person who complains about a sore hip or numb legs, I’m a patient with a herniated disc. I feel a lot of hope now that I know what is wrong, where before I just felt like I was in an endless cycle of tolerance. Thanks for all of your prayers, well wishes, and copious amounts of e-love. I feel hope knowing that this can all be over soon.

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