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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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MRI Shows Diffuse Disc Bulges At All Levels On T11/12 To L5/S1, Causing Mild Thecal Sac Indentation. Suggestions ?

I have just received my MIR scan report. It says that there are very mild but diffuse disc bulges at all levels on T11/12 to L5/S1, mostly under 2mm, not noticeably narrowing the neural exit canals . of note is the L4/5 disc with a slightly more prominent focal posterior central bulge of 4 mm, causing mild thecal sac indentation. \
Tue, 10 Sep 2013
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Spine Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi
thank you for your question to HCM.

The MRI findings always need to be evaluated in the light of patient's symptoms. Diffuse disc bulges are common in even healthy middle aged individuals and unless they correlate with your symptoms these are usually benign. These disc bulges are a result of phenomenon called disc degeneration and no treatment is needed for them.

If your symptom is only back pain I would suggest antiinflammatory medications like diclofenac or ibuprofen, local analgesic gels and physiotherapy. In the presence of radiating leg pain a consultation with orthopaedic/spine surgeon is needed for clinical examination to evaluate if these findings correlate with your symptoms.

Hope this is helpful. I will be happy to answer any questions.
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MRI Shows Diffuse Disc Bulges At All Levels On T11/12 To L5/S1, Causing Mild Thecal Sac Indentation. Suggestions ?

Hi thank you for your question to HCM. The MRI findings always need to be evaluated in the light of patient s symptoms. Diffuse disc bulges are common in even healthy middle aged individuals and unless they correlate with your symptoms these are usually benign. These disc bulges are a result of phenomenon called disc degeneration and no treatment is needed for them. If your symptom is only back pain I would suggest antiinflammatory medications like diclofenac or ibuprofen, local analgesic gels and physiotherapy. In the presence of radiating leg pain a consultation with orthopaedic/spine surgeon is needed for clinical examination to evaluate if these findings correlate with your symptoms. Hope this is helpful. I will be happy to answer any questions.