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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There A Difference Between A Torn Disk, Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc?

hello.. Im wondering if there is a difference between a torn disk, herniated disc, bulging disc. are they different or basically mean the same thing.. ? a mri has shown 2 tears with mild bulging in my l5 s1 disc and herniation in l4 l5? what should I expect from this? I have already had surgery on l5 s1 in 2009. just wondering if I will need another surgery for this?
Wed, 12 Oct 2016
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
hi the various conditions you have described as torn disk, herniated disc, bulging disc. are stages of the same processes. First annular ligament is torn and a part of disc bulges out , then it goes beyond the boundary of disc into neural space( herniation ). Only these conditions don't determine whether you need to be operated or treated conservatively. Majority of disc diseases do not need operation. I suggest you take pain killers , muscle relaxants and physiotherapy, and if there is no relief then go for orthopedic consultation.
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Is There A Difference Between A Torn Disk, Herniated Disc, Bulging Disc?

hi the various conditions you have described as torn disk, herniated disc, bulging disc. are stages of the same processes. First annular ligament is torn and a part of disc bulges out , then it goes beyond the boundary of disc into neural space( herniation ). Only these conditions don t determine whether you need to be operated or treated conservatively. Majority of disc diseases do not need operation. I suggest you take pain killers , muscle relaxants and physiotherapy, and if there is no relief then go for orthopedic consultation.