Disc Issues - Back Problems Message Board

o0Sharyn0o · 11-24-2004, 06:15 AM

Hi

Does anyone know the difference between a slipped disc, a prolapsed disc, and a herniated disc?

Which one requires surgery please?

SpinalMalady · 11-24-2004, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o0Sharyn0o

Hi

Does anyone know the difference between a slipped disc and a herniated disc?

Which one requires surgery?

Hi:

I may be TOTALLY off here but my understanding is that the words,
"slipped, herniated and ruptured" are all used iterchangeibly.....

My MRI reads: ...."Hernatied disk L-5 Impinging Root of the S-1 Nerve"......

My Neurosurgeon uses the term: your "RUPTURE" is at L-5, and has even said "some folks used to call it a "slipped disk"....

I'm having Micro Disk Surgery on Dec 10th....but my symptoms have deteriorated REALLY bad....

As I understand it, not all hernaited disks require surgery....some can heal with PT, or other less invasive procedures...

I'm just not that fortunate

...I did try those routes, VAX-D first....then ESI....but I'm to the point where I can hardly walk now....I have a SEVERE foot drop and walk almost as bad as a STROKE victim....so just understand that, and before you decide anything...get a 2nd opinion...I got THREE...

I'm HARDHEADED, and didn't want anyone cutting on my back....but I'm at PEACE with my decision now, due to my current limitations.

Hope that helps, and good luck with whatever you decided..

Blessings,

Becky

o0Sharyn0o · 11-24-2004, 07:38 AM

Hi Becky

Sorry to hear about your problems. I keep hearing different people saying different things about each issue. Until I can come up with the money to meet a Neurosurgeon or have a consultation about it, I wanted to know a little about each (spend less money listening).

Good luck with your decision!

lorry96 · 11-24-2004, 09:18 AM

Hi there,

As far as i am aware all slipped disc, herniated, prolapsed,bulged etc all mean the same thing. Doctors just like to use different terminology to confuse us all.

As with regards to surgery. All depends how bad it is and how it is affecting you. everyone is different.

carol632 · 11-24-2004, 12:38 PM

Slipped, prolapsed, and bulge all mean about the same thing....the disc is still intact but is not "in place". Herniated, ruptured, means that pieces of the disc have actually come apart and are lying somewhere else in your back.

Carol