
Severe Headaches, Pain And Weakness In Arms And Legs. MRI Showed Disc Bulge. Done MRI. Cause For Pain?

pressure on the nerves in the back
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The intervertebral discs ( the disc between the vertebra in the back) are composed of two main areas, the outer ring called the annulus fibrosis and the inner aspect called the nucleus pulposus.
These discs allow for movement of the spine , act as shock absorbers and allow the load on the spinal column to be distributed.
They are composed of cartilage and water gel like substance.
As persons become older or with trauma tears occur in the disc and the water content also decreases. This means it weakens and can no longer function as it is suppose to.
The tears in the surrounding ring (annulus fibrosis) results in bulging of the disc out through the vertebral spaces as you have stated was seen in your imaging tests.
This bulging disc can then compress or irritate nerve roots in the spine resulting in pain. Pain also occurs because the spine is unable to handle pressure /force as before.
The pain can be severe , as in your case.
Treatment mainly consists of physiotherapy to help to maintain function and improve back strength, medication and surgery if there is no response to other treatment methods.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions


ventral refers to the front
Detailed Answer:
Hi
The ventral aspect refers to the front aspect. This means that because the discs are bulging and the space between the vertebra is narrower, there is flattening or compression towards the front of the spinal cord.
The narrowing of the disc space and the bulging discs causes compression/irritation of the nerves in the spinal column.This is essentially the same as mentioned above and is contributing to your symptoms.
The treatment is physio and pain medications, muscle relaxants can sometimes help.
If these treatments do not help then surgery may be suggested by your doctor.
Please feel free to ask anything else

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