Central Herniated DiscA central herniated disc is a very common type of disc bulge terminology often seen on MRI reports. Patients write to me constantly asking what particular diagnostic terms mean, and a central herniation is always one of the most common queries. Central herniations, also known as medial herniated discs, are inherently no more or less problematic than other types of disc pathologies, including posterolateral herniated discs.
Central bulging discs are named so due to their disposition to bulge towards the center of the (usually posterior) spinal structures. Mild central herniations will usually not be blamed for causing any pain or related symptoms, even by “doom and gloom” practitioners. Moderate central disc bulges are often said to
impinge upon the thecal sac
or provide a mass effect upon the thecal sac. These herniations are sometimes blamed for causing pain, although in a great number of cases, this is incorrect. Extreme central herniations may impinge upon the actual spinal cord, rarely causing symptoms or may actually compress the cord, usually causing symptoms…
The posterior center of the spinal disc is where the spinal cord (and eventually, the cauda equina) reside. In the cervical spine, thoracic spine and (usually) upper lumbar spine, a severe central herniation has a chance of affecting the actual spinal cord. Being that the cord ends in the upper to middle lumbar region, lower
lumbar herniated discs
which bulge centrally can affect the cauda equina. Central herniations can take the form of
broad based herniations
or
focal herniations.
Neither is inherently worse, nor better, from a symptomatic point of view. It is crucial to remember that most herniated discs are innocent of enacting any chronic pain, but are often mistakenly identified as the source of symptoms in a great number of
back pain
sufferers, myself included...
Central Herniated Disc AdviceI like to see visitors on pages like this one, since it shows me that these patients are indeed taking an active role in their own care and thoroughly researching their diagnosed condition. Great job! Keep it up! Do not make the mistake I made for so many years by following blindly without even knowing anything about the pain or how to cure it… Learn all you can and become armed with the best back pain treatment anywhere… knowledge! Remember that there are a multitude of different names and classifications for herniations. While it is good to understand what they mean, it is best to realize the truth of virtually varieties all of them… many are mere scapegoats for pain and nothing more…Central Herniated Disc to Herniated Disc 6/29/10 Revised 7/15/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
Mission Statement
Editorial Board
Legal
Privacy Policy
Site Funding Disclosure
Source Material