Herniated Disc Extrusion

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 at 10:01 am

herniated disc extrusion
my MRI said that my L4 & L5 has a mild difused bulge and that L5 and S1 central disc extrusion. What is this?

I thought it was a herniated disc, went to pt and now they say pt and or cortisone. Is this good, bad???
I still have some pain and feel as I’ve learned to “deal” with it. I use ibuprofen and flexeril. When I sit for long periods I get up and feel as I need to stretch and also my legs get sore. I feel best laying down, but can’t do that all day. I know I should lose weight, but it hurts, I am 5 5 and weight 165.
Thanks to everyone for all your great answers and suggestions. I am new and don’t quite know how to work this yet!

There are 3 types of disc herniation: contained (protrusion), extrusion, and sequestration. The disc is made up of the outer annulus fibrosis (AF), the vertebral end plates that the AF attaches to, and the gelatinous inside called the nucleus pulposus (NP). When the disc is “contained” the NP has bulged outward to the AF, but is not pressing on the outer layers of the AF. If the disc is extruded, then the NP has reached the outer layers of the AF and is pressing on the intervertebral canal (hole in vertebrae for spinal cord, but at L5level the spinal cord is the cauda equina–bundle of nerve fibers on the end of the spinal cord). Sequestration involves a piece of the NP “broken off” and inside the canal.

I can’t tell you if it’s good or bad. However, it’s always best to try the conservative method first. Try to stay active. I think gentle yoga might help, but listen to your body. Only you know what it’s feeling.

The Morris Spinal Stenosis & Disc Center: Herman Hoffman–Los Angeles