Bulging disc...

[joyful mommy]

So I had a relapse that made my feet feel buzzy and numb. I was treated with 5 days IVSM. The numbness resolved, buzzing feeling not so much. I have never had an MRI of my neck or back, so they sent me for one. I met with my neurologist to review the results. So I have a nice large bulging disc and an area of abnormality right on top of it. My neuro dismissed it as unrelated. The disc problem is in no way related to the lesion.... But I'm not so sure.

In the past any symptoms I have had cleared up 100% back to normal. This one isn't that clean and I am wondering if perhaps my residual symptoms are being aggravated by the bulging disc.

Anyone have thoughts or experience with this?

[lemstar]

I have a bulging disc (or two), and arthritis in my cervical spine. The docs can't believe I am not in a ton of pain from it. I also have a lot of sensory symptoms.

At my most recent visit with my MS specialist, I tried to get him to un-diagnose me, and tell me it was all disc related. (I knew better, but gave it a shot anyway). My MS is quite evident and obvious on MRIs--it cannot be denied.

That being said, who knows what causes what symptoms? The more I learn about MS, the more I realize just how varied it can be, and how little we know for sure about it.

There--wasn't that helpful? (not....) Sorry, just sharing my two cents...

[SNOOPY]

If the bulging disc is impringing on nerves it will cause neurological symptoms. If that is the case it will be difficult to know what is the MS and what is being caused by the disc problem

[nappy]

discs

I just had a cervical mri on the 10th. I have been in pt all summer because of pain and tingling, weakness and coordination problems in my neck, shoulders, and arms- right sided.

After the mri my neuro commented on bulging discs in my neck. Her theory is that my weak neck muscles have allowed my discs to bulge- so it is ortho and MS combined.

I am waiting for a follow up with a neuro surgeon to see if surgery will give some relief.

I really do not want another surgery at this time. I think that I can take the pain longer knowing it isn't all ms.

Good Luck

I was diagnosed with MS in March 2010 and in May 2011 after I was finally able to get an MRI (metal final removed) they found a ruptured disk at T9 and T10. They also found ZERO lesions. I have also had two negative LP's.

The neurosurgeon is not sure what to think as of my visit with him two weeks ago (he is doing homework and will get back with me).

Today I go back to the neuro to see what he thinks.

I have struggled with many neuro issues but the buzzing has been the worst. Neurosurgeon put me on Neurotin and so far, it keeps the buzz away as long as it is in my system. If I take the dose late, then it comes back. We are still playing with the correct dose.

I do have loss of reflex in my left foot and major balance issues at times but that could be a result of the disk as it is flattening the spine (obvious on the MRI).

You are your best advocate!!

**I stopped my MS meds once they said I had ZERO lesions (head and spine). Neuro was supportive.

I will update if the neuro has any new news.

[deescee]

Bulging disk with MS

My 2008 cervical MRI showed a bulging disk at C5-C6. Nothing was done by the neurologist then. My next neurologist decided to do nothing either when I told him about all the pain in my cervical spine area. Finally with the third neurologist prescribing gabapentin did I get some relief from the pain. Why, oh, why do we all have to go to some many different doctors to get some answers??????