ask: Why would radiologist and orthopedic surgeon diagnose findings of MRI differently?
I had a back injury in November. An MRI shows some disc degeneration and disc herniation at L5- S1 pressing on the S1 nerve root. I have pain in my left back and leg radiating down my leg consistent with herniation and nerve root compression. The orthopedist says now that he feels this is not "really" a disc herniation but rather a "bulge." He does not feel it will need any aggressive treatment. This injury occurred while I was at work and I feel this may indicative of worker's comp games. Does anyone have any experience with contradictory diagnoses such as this one?
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Hi Anon,
When a disc is herniated, then it means that it has been bulged, torn, or broken-- this can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in that location. If the disc never broke and was bulging back in November but pressing on your root, then this is likely why the radiologist said it was a herniated disc. The good thing about a bulging disc is that with therapy or with time, it can actually come back into place or at least to the point where it is no longer pressing on a root. This may be why your orthopedic surgeon sees it as a bulging disc (which requires no surgical intervention) and not a herniated disc.
Personally, I'm not a fan of unnecessary spinal surgeries due to their risks-- but if you feel as though you need a second opinion, please do so. You can also ask for massage therapy as a form of treatment even if it is a bulging disc.
Best Wishes,
Rosa
January 25, 2012 - 6:20amThis Comment
I do suffer from the back ache but it got cure by the use of the orthopedic support, i would recommend you the same.
April 17, 2012 - 3:11amRosa and Anon-
April 17, 2012 - 6:17amThank you both for you comments. Rosa- I, too, am a nurse. This injury happened at work and after more than five months of conservative treatment I am unfortunately not much better. I still have the radiculopaty and back pain. I lean more toward the radiological dx especially as time and therapy have made no difference. It is really discouraging to still have pain and to be unable to work due to lifting restrictions. I am not a fan of back surgeries either but I would like to seek a form of treatment that might offer recovery rather than management with opiates or drugs heavy on side effects and sedation. D.,RN