What does flattening of the ventral thecal sac mean?

What does flattening of the ventral thecal sac mean?

Thecal Sac Compression – The spinal cord and nerves are also protected by a membrane filled with cerebral spinal fluid known as the thecal sac or dural sac. Flattening or compression of the thecal sac will occur in other conditions that cause pressure or pinching of the spinal cord, such as stenosis.

What does subtle disc bulge mean?

When a disc is damaged, it may herniate, or push out, against the spinal cord and spinal nerves. A ‘disc bulge’ is a word commonly used to describe a slight outpouching of the disc. The words ‘disc bulge’ imply that the disc appears symmetric with a small amount of outpouching, and no significant herniation.

What causes flattening of the spinal cord?

As you age, inflammation, arthritic illness, bone spurs and the flattening of the spinal discs between the vertebrae can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerve roots.

Does spinal cord compression always require surgery?

Many cases of spinal cord compression do require surgery, but in mild cases, your doctor may recommend non-surgical therapies to decrease pain and improve your quality of life, such as medication and physical therapy.

What does flattening of the spinal cord mean?

Causes of Myelopathy As you age, inflammation, arthritic illness, bone spurs and the flattening of the spinal discs between the vertebrae can put pressure on the spinal cord and the nerve roots.

How do you treat a disc bulge?

Lumbar herniated disc treatments

1. Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root.
2. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief.
3. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation)
4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.

What is the function of the thecal sac?

The thecal sac or dural sac is the membranous sheath (theca) or tube of dura mater that surrounds the spinal cord and the cauda equina. The thecal sac contains the cerebrospinal fluid which provides nutrients and buoyancy to the spinal cord.

Does spinal cord compression require surgery?

Symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet can come on gradually or more suddenly, depending on the cause. Spinal cord compression can often be helped with medicines, physical therapy, or other treatments. Except in emergencies, surgery is usually the last resort.

Is there a bulging disc on the thecal sac?

The condition may also be noted as a bulging disc encroaching on the thecal sac or a herniated disc indenting the thecal sac. The majority of affected patients have no idea what the condition entails, nor do they even understand what the thecal sac is.

What does flattening of the thecal sac mean?

Get help now: what does this mean… at c6/7 there is left-sided a broad-based disc bulge flattening the thecal sac anteriorly. Neck pain: A bulging disc at the C6/7 level (cervical spine) is early arthritis that can lead to neck and left arm radiating down to the hand.

What causes a bulging disc in the spine?

Car accidents, falls, sports injuries, etc. are all common causes of a bulging disc. Although this may be the case for most, a bulging disc can also occur from deterioration that occurs in the disc over time. As we use our spine (which is pretty much all the time), the discs can deteriorate due to normal wear and tear.

What causes compression of thecal sac in spinal stenosis?

Thecal sac effacement is seen in patients with extradural lesions located in midline. Effacement of posterior epidural fat is observed in severe stenosis of the central canal. In spinal stenosis, the thecal sac is compressed by the protruding disc anteriorly and ligamentum flavum posteriorly, forming an hourglass shape.

The condition may also be noted as a bulging disc encroaching on the thecal sac or a herniated disc indenting the thecal sac. The majority of affected patients have no idea what the condition entails, nor do they even understand what the thecal sac is.

What causes the disk of the spinal cord to bulge?

Since thecal sac houses spinal cord and cauda equina, it cushions them against damage from other spinal structures. Pressure exerted on the thecal sac can cause the disk to bulge. This pressure can tear the spinal cord. The severity of this pressure depends on what is causing it. Compression of the thecal sac can arise from a number of factors.

Get help now: what does this mean… at c6/7 there is left-sided a broad-based disc bulge flattening the thecal sac anteriorly. Neck pain: A bulging disc at the C6/7 level (cervical spine) is early arthritis that can lead to neck and left arm radiating down to the hand.

What is a bulging disc at the C6 / 7 level?

Neck pain: A bulging disc at the C6/7 level (cervical spine) is early arthritis that can lead to neck and left arm radiating down to the hand. A bulging disc is Read More what is facet hypertrophy l flatten the ventral thecal sac and encroach upon the lateral recesses abutment of the traversing nerve roots?