Join Our Community!
Share
Conditions and Diseases > Back Pain Forum > What is a Disc Protrusion/Hernia?
What structures make up the spine? We review basic spine anatomy here...before identifying potential causes of back pain....
Click here to learn about the most common causes of back pain, and things that increase your risk of backache. We cover lower back pain and upper back pain....
Back pain symptoms may seem obvious. But do you know when symptoms of back pain are more serious or when to see a doctor? Learn what action to take & when...
User Profile
Q: What is a Disc Protrusion/Hernia?
asked by: DoctorQuestion on July 29th, 2006
Desprate For Info. Regarding My Husbad
Posted: 07-29-06 10:41am

------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------

Hello all-
i'm new to the boards and have some questions. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I'll try and keep this short:

2 years ago, my hubby fell off a 2 story roof. We live in a beach community, so he actually feel the equivilant of 3 stories. He landed on his face & shoulders in the sand. He was air lifted to the trauma center in the next state. We were so fortunate that he walked out of the trauma center that night with no broken bones. The only diagnostic tests performed at the trauma center that night were x-rays. I asked them to do mri, cat scan, something, but was told they were just too busy. This is a long story, so i'll just leave it at that.

Anyway, my husband had never had any kind of back trouble before the fall. Since the fall, he has bouts of back problems. These problems have started happening more often, are longer in duration and are more and more painful with each flare up.

He has been through intensive physical therapy several times and has finally allowed our primary doctor to refer him for an mri. We got the unofficial "verbal" results by phone the other day. Diagnosis is as follows:

"central protrusion l-4 & l-5 with a smaller central protrusion at l-5"

if I am correct, this basically means herniated disc? I just don't know. I've done some research on the internet and have found some information, but really feel that I might get more information from someone who has dealt with this.

My husband will be going to an occupational therapist again. I also have him use my tens unit, but I really am desperate to find out as much information as possible. We need to know what we are dealing with and what we might expect as far as long term. I know different people experience pain and recovery differently, but any information will be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help you can give. :)

lezlee


Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(1)
User Profile
Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on August 2nd, 2006
Back Pain Answer A1287
A "disc protrusion" and "discus hernia" are synonyms and mean the same thing. Discus hernia is a degenerative disease of the intervertabral discs. The disc consists of 2 parts: the central soft nucleus and the peripheral fibrous ring. Degeneration causes a break in the fibrous ring through which a part of the soft nucleus comes out. That part of the nucleus is called "hernia". The symptoms of discus hernia depend upon the location of the verterbal discus and the direction of the hernia. Hernias can create pressure, for example, on the spinal cord or the spine nerve roots. In this case, various neurological symptoms are possible: pain, parestesions, lack of sensitivity, muscle weakness or even paralyses etc. I recommend you consult a neurosurgeon for further diagnosis and treatment.


DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer their time on eHealth Forum. For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our medical experts page. You may also visit our Back Pain , for moderated patient to patient support and information.

The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician. Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
Did you find this post useful?
|
This question has been answered by the doctor. This topic is now open for public discussion, however no comments below this point will be answered by a doctor.
Quick Reply
Search