What does annular bulging mean?

What does annular bulging mean?

A bulging disc is a condition in which the nucleus (inner portion) of a spinal disc remains contained within the annulus fibrosus (outer portion), unlike a herniated disc in which the nucleus leaks out of the disc.

How many mm can a disc bulge?

Hence, a disc bulge is nothing but a generalized extension of the disc tissue beyond the perimeter of the vertebrae, usually around 1-4 mm. This bulge or protrusion often causes nerve compression to produce symptoms like: Pain or tingling in fingers, arms, legs, neck, hand, feet, buttocks, or shoulders.

Is a mild disc bulge serious?

Most commonly, bulging discs create pressure points on nearby nerves which create a variety of sensations. Evidence of a bulging disc may range from mild tingling and numbness to moderate or severe pain, depending on the severity. In most cases, when a bulging disc has reached this stage it is near or at herniation.

Are bulging discs normal?

This can cause anxiety for patients who worry they are developing a serious spinal problem. However, studies have shown over and over, that disc bulges are incredibly common, and can be seen on MRIs of people without back pain or spine problems.

Does size of disc bulge matter?

A disc herniation is painful. The size of the herniation doesn’t affect the desired clinical outcome and goal of treatment: pain relief.

How many MM is a lumbar disc?

Average lumbar disc height was 5.6 ± 1.1 mm for men and 4.8 ± 0.8 mm for women at T12/L1, 6.9 ± 1.3 mm for men and 5.8 ± 0.9 mm for women at L1/2, 8.1 ± 1.4 mm for men and 6.9 ± 1.1 mm for women at L2/3, 8.7 ± 1.5 mm for men and 7.6 ± 1.2 mm for women at L3/4, 9.2 ± 1.6 mm for men and 8.5 ± 1.6 mm for women at L4/5.

How common is disc bulge?

Are herniated disks common? Every year, up to 2% of people get a herniated disk. Herniated disks are a leading cause of neck and/or arm, and back and/or leg pain (sciatica). They can happen anywhere along the spine, but herniated disks most often occur in the lower back or the neck.

What does annular bulging mean in medical terms?

“Annular bulging” refers to a protrusion from a spinal disc that is still contained by the annulus, connective fibers that give the spinal discs strength.

What does a diffuse annular disc bulge mean?

A diffuse annular disc bulge is just a long term for a disc bulge but some doctors use it when they want to emphasize that only the outer part of the disc called annulus fibrosus is involved in the bulge and there is no herniation. What is a minimal ormilddiffuse disc bulge?

How long does it take for annular bulging to heal?

When these fibers are torn or compromised, the condition is known as a herniated disc. Annular bulging is treated with anti-inflammatory medication and usually heals within several weeks. In contrast, herniated discs may require surgery. Degeneration due to age and excessive physical stress on the spine are…

What is the definition of a disc bulge?

A disc bulge is a condition in which at least 25% (90°) of the disc’s circumference extends beyond its normal limits and the soft disc center does not break out through the outer fibrous ring (Picture 2) [1]. Picture 2. A CT image of a disc bulge (blue) (source: Radiopaedia, CC license)