Bulged disk

[Mollymaggs]

Hi there, I'm wordering if anyone can offer some advice.

I have had an Mri scan done to show that I have a bulged disk in my lumbar region. Getting the usual sciatic symptoms down my leg. Spasms, tingling etc,and I'm currently waiting for my referral to the hospital.

My doctor said to me the only time for me to be concerned and it is a medical emergency is if bowel incontenance happens ( I'm assuming she meant because of the rare serious Cauda equine syndrome)

However I'm worried as my tingling does go around my buttocks and genitals and has for many weeks even when I have seen the doctor, when I look online it shows this as one of the symtoms for the Cauda syndrome, but I thought it was just bowel changes to look out for. Can anyone out my mind at ease? Just worried as my mri was in June and only put as a routine referral as was not urgent.

Can genital tingling be a normal symtoms of having a bulged disk?

Thanks for your time

[Mollymaggs]

Hi there Phil! Thank you so much for your reply and suggestions, really means a lot

I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels like losing your mind abit whilst trawling the Internet for answers

I haven't tried ice only heat so I will definitely give that a go!! After many months of feeling the same I'm ready to try anything new suggested

I was thinking of possibly trying to see a chiropractor also whilst waiting to see the orthopedist.. but no sure, have heard a lot of possitive recommendations though

I've got one of the gym exercise balls, I shall be trying that tomorrow for a few weeks for sure! I shall update on any results of improvement...fingers crossed

Thanks so much
Have a great weekend

[philnoir]

Hi Molly,

The radiologist says that there is no impingment of the L5 and S1 nerve roots.

However, pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by nerve impingment of these 2 nerve roots.

Some doctors choose to believe the films, while others believe the symptoms.

Your orthopedist may be one of either type.

Let me suggest the following:

First, ice is a great healer because it reduces inflammation (which may not be visible on an MRI.)

Try applying ice packs to your lower spine, both over the sacrum and on either side above the pelvis bone. Apply the ice packs for 15 - 20 minutes. The back should feel numb after application.

Make sure that you use a soft cloth between the icebags and your back. I like to use a thin dish towel, which seems to have the right thickness for the cold to penetrate, but will not allow the ice pack to burn the skin.

Do this once an hour for 4 hours, then take a break. Do this maybe twice a day, for a week. See if you don't begin to feel better.

Here's another recommendation from a chiropractor friend. Use one of those big exercise balls. Sit on it and bounce lightly. Do this for 5 minutes, 3 times a day.

Stop if you feel any sharp or shooting pain.

The light bouncing will bring circulation to the area, helping to reduce the inflammation.

Be careful how you sleep -- if you lie on your back, support it by putting a pillow or two under your knees. If you lie on your side, your spine should not curve into the mattress.

And with lumbar disc bulges and herniations, never sleep on your stomach.

Try these remedies for a week and see if your pain doesn't improve.

[Mollymaggs]

Thank you very much for your kind words!

It's all new to me as I've never really had any back problems before it all came at once, and can't really pin point a moment it happened!

Thank you for the good  advice, I'm trying to keep as active as possible but stick to gentle exercises like walking, was also thinking swimming maybe? As easy on the joints.  I feel at my worst when sitting or driving like I have all this pressure on my lower back and pelvis.

I was reffered for an Mri whilst I was seeing the gyno at hospital and have since been referred to the orthopaedic spine department. My first appointment with the specialist is in early October so not too far away, but in the mean time I've only been able to see my family doctor whilst I wait.

-thanks remar  :)

[remar]

I wish I could tell you what your MRI results mean but I can't. I do want to offer my support though and to let you know you've come to a wonderful site. The people here are so caring and knowledgeable.
I would recommend bringing a small pillow to work so you can place it behind your back for support. I have back problems myself and using my pillow all the time really does help. Another thing you can do is to get up and walk around a little bit every 15 minutes or so, if possible. This might help take some pressure off of you back. It's also very good for your circulation.
Are you seeing your family Dr or a spine specialist right now? Family Drs are trained to treat the whole body but their training can be limited. A spine specialist is just that, someone who's specialty is the spine. I hope that's who you're seeing now, or will be able to see very soon.

[Mollymaggs]

Just abit more info as I got my Mri scan results printed. If anyone could help me with what this all means I'd be so grateful!

MRI lumbar spine- 28th June
At L4/5 there is a posterior central broad based disc bulge which abuts the proximal transferring right s1 nerve roots in the lateral recesses blisterally but no convincing impingement seen.

At L4-5 there is a broad based right paracentral disc bulge which abuts and impinges on right S1 nerve root in the lateral recess but no impingment on this nerve.

Normal appearences of visualised spinal cord and Cauda. Unremarkable appearences of bone marrow.

Not sure what all this means in regards to my symptoms of tingling burning etc in legs, Buttocks and groin

Also I'm female and 23, thank you :)

[Mollymaggs]

Thank you for your response! I understand its best to go and get seen, I've booked an appointment to see my doctor next week whilst I wait to see the consultant.
I'm thinking it might be some sort of pudendal nerve entrapment or something along those lines from pro- longed sitting at work perhaps.

I don't supoose pelvic floor exercises would help this? Just thinking do any ways to ease pressure whilst I wait to be seen

Thanks again

[philnoir]

Dear Molly, I cannot put your mind at ease. Only your doctor can do this, because she knows you, your case, and your MRI.

Please report your symptoms to her. Let her ease your mind.

That's the only answer I would accept -- the advice of a trusted and experienced spine doctor.