Is there a difference between a slipped disc and a bulging disc in the back?
956612
There is a difference. a bulging disc means that the disc material is still intact inside of the disc. There is a weakening to the disc wall. A slipped disc is another way if referring to a herniated disc. This occurs when the disc material leaks out of the disc eliminating the cushion you have between the vertebral space. You can have either problem with or without symptoms. The only time you should consider having this repaired is if you are in pain. Either problem can be caused by trauma or by doing something as simple as sneezing.
1088723
There are few things in all of medicine that is more nebulous than back pain and spine imaging.  It's not uncommon for a very significant finding on an MRI to have little or no symptoms.  Conversely, an MRI showing very little or no detectable abnormality can still mean significant pain or symptoms.  The human spine is more than just a bunch of vertebrae stacked on top of each other.  It's a very complex biomechanical structure with multiple small joints of different types at all levels, stabilized by large numbers of ligaments and muscles.  Medical imaging will not display pathology of all these structures all the times.  Unfortunately, many people with back pain get treated with medicine, physical therapy and surgery with varying results.  Sometimes they get better, other times they don't, and other times they get worse.  My advice is to see a good orthopedic or neurosurgeon who isn't hell bent on operating on every spine patient they see.  Surgery should be a last resort, and you have to be absolutely certain that whatever is being operated correlates with the clinical symptoms.
1114170
The causes of back pain can be mechanical, meaning from your bones, muscles, or joints, or it could be organic in nature.  That means that the pain is being caused by something more internal that is referring pain to the back.  Kidney infection, or stones will commonly refer pain to the back.  One simple way to help determine if the pain is more mechanical in nature is to see if you can find a comfortable position to get into.  If you can, then the pain is probably from an injury to your spinal joints or a sprained muscle.  Did you notice anything that might have caused a sprained back?  For example heavy lifting.  Disc hernitations are common and can cause serious back pain.  You can not see a disc herniation on an x-ray.  You need an MRI for that.  If you went to the hospital, assuming the ER, they are concerned mostly about a fracture or other serious pathology.  \nIf you have a primary doctor go see him or her.  You can also seek out a chiropractor.  Either will help you understand the cause of your pain.
870202
The thecal sac is the overall name for the covering of your spinal cord andthe nerves where they leave your spinal cord. The first part of your report says that you have a slipped disc (disc protusion) which is pressing in a forwards/backwards (anterior/posterior) manner on the spinal cord. \nThe second part says you have another slipped disc pressing (effaced means touching/pressing on) on the nerve as it leaves your spinal cord.\n\nNeither of these is really dangerous, just painful. You probably need to see a back specialist though to sort out treatment.
157194
In English it's lumbar scoliosis.  That's a curving of the spine to the side - usually two curves - the original abnormal curve and a curve to compensate for that.
385400
He'll need to see a doctor or a chiropractor. My mum has had a slipped disc for 20 years and it still hurts her, it really is something he should see someone about soon as.
380786
I don't believe so- the part that is herniating can recede some.  I have a bulging disc & the only thing that helped (besides surgery) was a chiropractor.  I tried physical therapy for 3 months with no help-after 3 visits to my chiropractor I'm doing GREAT!
612539
The inner portion of the disk between vertebrae is called the nucleus propulsus.  This area is heavily laden with proteogylcans - a type of molecule that holds onto water.  The effect is to keep this area well hydrated - hence, allowing for better shock absorbance.  As you age, or after an injury the biochemical composition of the nucleus propulsus changes slightly.  It no longer holds water quite as well - hence the appearance on MRI (and MRI helps show differences in density or water content - the difference in water content of various body structures is what makes them stand out on the scan).  \n\nThere is no good way to repair the damage.  Some experts will tell you to keep well hydrated - this may keep the area as full of water as possible.   You likely are already seeing an orthopedic surgeon - they can offer surgical corrections- but surgical management is generally reserved for severe cases.  \n\nI generally don't recommend alternative medicine, but chiropractic (osteopathic manipulation) can actually be very helpful with chronic back/neck pain.  There is a new technology allowing serial decompressions using low impact that many chiropractors in my area are using - it may be of benefit to you.  Make sure to find a highly qualified professional - these are generally willing to use several different techniques depending on your issues (high-velocity or "back cracking" techniques MAY make cervical compression worse)
86694
Has she tried therapy?  One friend has 3 herniated discs (C5, C6 and C7).  She just started out on 2 month program of physical therapy.  Another friend has a 2 bulging discs in the lower back.  He does not want to go for surgurey, even though that is an option.  Instead, he is always popping Vicodin.  Probably not a good long term solution.
360937
I hope that this has nothing to do with computer hardware.\n\nYour spine, the bone that runs from your head all the way down to your bum has segments (vertebrae) which are loosely called 'discs'.  Due to a fall, accident or injury, they slip causing severe pain by pushing against the spinal cord that runs through the spine.  They can sometimes he returned to their proper position by manipulation by a doctor or chiropractor.
160098
I think you are referring to the nucleus pulposus, which is the soft, gel-like filling in the middle of the intervertebral disks.  Under conditions of stress or aging, this material can bulge out, compressing nerve endings and causing pain.  This is colloquially know as a "slipped disk."
738937
depends on whether you are male or female..............\nbut could be: \nkidney infection\novarian cyst\nconstipation\nor a problem possibly with a disc in your back\n\nA lot depends on what the pain feels like, when you get the pain and how severe it is.\nSuggest you see a doctor for a check up ASAP.
1022999
There is a solution against slipped discs: Go for a manual one-time treatment called Atlasprofilax. The effect on the self-healing power of your body are really amazing. Due to the better pressure distribution in your spine, the discs can regenerate completely. It's simply amazing!\n\nJust - the treatment is available in California and Europe only, costing approx. 220 dollars. It's really worth travelling far.
43783
While the spinal discs are designed to withstand significant amounts of force, injury and other problems with the disc can occur. When the disc ages or is injured, the outer portion of a disc may be torn and the disc’s inner material can herniate or extrude out of the disc. Each spinal disc is surrounded by highly sensitive nerves, and the inner portion of the disc that leaks out contains inflammatory proteins, so when this material comes in contact with a nerve it can cause pain that can travel down the length of the nerve. Even a small disc herniation that allows a small amount of the inner disc material to just touch the nerve can cause significant pain. \n In general, patients usually are advised to start with a course of non-surgical treatments prior to considering spine surgery for a herniated disc. \nBut, there are a few relatively rare conditions that require immediate surgical intervention.
908511
I had back surgery a number of years back for a ruptured disc in my lower back.  The first thing I can tell you is, if you are having a problem with a disc, stop going to the chiropractor, that will only make the situation worse.  The second thing you should do is go see your regular physician and request that he refer you out for an MRI.  An x-ray will not help, as you can not see soft tissue damage on an x-ray, so an MRI is your only option for determining if indeed you have damage to a disc in your lower back. As for self help, sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees and take ibuprofen on a regular basis for a few days. I feel your pain.  Good luck!
1050214
Although I am not male, I think disc problems are the same.\n\nI have had ruptured discs at L4, L5 & S1.\n\nFirst doctor tried medication, did this for 2 years and I only got worse.\n\nNext I went to a pain center (by this time I was in a wheel chair).  I was starting to get better with therapy and disc injections, but then I had a set back.  Pain doctor sent my to a surgeon and by this time my left leg was completely numb.  He did a lamonectomy (not sure if I spelled it right).  This is where they remove the herniated part of the disc.  I was back on my feet in about 3 days and coaching little legue ball.  I was fine for about a year and then it happened again.  Doctor said he could not tell me why, but part of it had to do with my genes. (I am 3rd generation on both sides with the same disc problem.)  This time he did a spinal fusion.   This is where they remove the bad discs and fuse the vertebrate together.  That has been over 5 years ago and I have not had one single problem with my back. \n\nI will tell you , like I was told by many people that had the same surgery.  You will have problem with your hip where they get the bone to fuse the vertebrate.  I am like a human berometer (sp).  LOL
330327
When i first hurt my lower back, the idiot military doctors thought it was just a strain, but when i actually had a MRI done, it was reveal that i had one herniate disc and another disc that was protuded.  So i would seek medical attention, even if nothing ever comes up it.