The significance of the disc herniation depends upon the size and position of the herniation. “Extruded” herniations generally are bigger and therefore more compressive. “Extruded” means the herniation material has gone through the PLL (posterior longitudinal ligament) which is a stout structure that does not tear easily.
Your radiological report does not demonstrate a large herniation (“The anterior margin of the thecal sac is contacted and partially effaced greater to the left of the midline at the L5/S1 level. This is due to 2mm of disc material lateralizing left greater than right. There is partial compromise of the left lateral recess”).
Words like “partial compromise” and “partially effaced” don’t indicate a severe compromise but even a very small fragment in the exact incorrect location can cause severe pain.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
