Classification. Bulges are always broad, and can be further divided according to how much of the circumference they involve: circumferential bulge: involves the entire disc circumference. asymmetric bulge: does not involve the entire circumference, but nonetheless more than 90 degrees.

What is posterior disc prolapse?

A prolapsed (herniated) disc occurs when the outer fibres of the intervertebral disc are injured, and the soft material known as the nucleus pulposus, ruptures out of its enclosed space.

How is circumferential disc bulge treated?

Home care. Over-the-counter pain relief may relieve mild pain due to a bulging disk. Physical therapy and exercises may help a person strengthen the muscles around the disk and improve mobility. A doctor or physical therapist can help determine safe exercises for a person, depending on the bulging disk’s position.

What are the symptoms of a lumbar disc prolapse?

Symptoms of a lumbar disc prolapse can be in one leg or both legs and include: Pain. Burning sensation. Loss or reduced sensation including numbness. Altered sensation including tingling, pins and needles, sensations of water running down the leg. Weakness or loss of power.

What nerve is affected by a prolapsed disc?

With a prolapsed disc, the sciatic nerve is the most commonly affected nerve. (The term sciatica means nerve root pain of the sciatic nerve.) The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that is made up from several smaller nerves that come out from the spinal cord in the lower back. It travels deep inside the buttock and down the back of the leg.

What are the risks of L4-L5 disc degeneration?

The L4-L5 disc is at a high risk of degeneration. This risk may be due to increased loads at the L4-L5 motion segment and decreased movement in the segments below this level. A change in disc height due to degeneration may affect the lordosis of the lumbar spine. 2 The disc may also herniate due to degeneration or injury. 4 Spondylolysis.

What is the most common age to have a prolapsed disc?

The most common disc prolapses in the lower lumbar spine are at the L4/5 and L5/S1 levels between the ages of 25-55 years and above these levels in the over 55 age group. What is an intervertebral disc and how does it herniate?