Bulging discs and thickened disc. Advice?

Hi there, I think you could ring the hospital that you saw the consultant at and ask. Thats really the easiest thing to do and hopefully they can provide answers to all your questions. Its also possible your GP will be sent letter explaining but that can sometimes take weeks to happen, so the quickest why is to ring the consultants secretary and ask, usually the general switch board will be able to put you through to the appropriate secretary. Sorry that I can not help you more. Good luck and take care xx

Ligamentum flavum thickening can occur as a natural part of the aging process, as can a number of additional changes affecting the neck and back. Some of these changes (such as the development of bone spurs) occur because the spine is attempting to provide itself with additional support or strength. Other changes occur as a result of continued wear, which is typically the case with ligamentum flavum thickening.

What does the ligamentum flavum do?

A ligamentum flavum is responsible for providing stability and protection to the spine. These long ligaments also connect stacked vertebrae, which provide the bone structure of the neck and back. Thickening of these ligaments naturally occurs when standing or leaning back, which tends to leave the spinal nerves with limited room. Sitting or leaning forward stretches these ligaments and provides for more space in the spinal canal. Over time, these ligaments can become less flexible and weaker (much like an over-used rubber band). This causes these ligaments to remain in a thickened state, sometimes encroaching on the spinal column and leaving less room for spinal nerves to pass through.

What happens when the ligament thickens?

A thickened ligament can cause spinal stenosis (a narrowing of nerve passageways in the spinal column), which may lead some patients to experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms, especially if a spinal nerve becomes impinged. The symptoms of spinal stenosis include:

Pain (may be felt in the neck or back and radiate to other parts of the body as well, including the arms, hands, buttocks, legs and feet)

Numbness

Tingling

Muscle weakness

Spinal stenosis can cause a number of additional spinal conditions such as sciatica, making treatment especially important.

Treatment

Patients should contact their primary care physician or back specialist when experiencing any of the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis and ligamentum flavum thickening. A number of treatment options are available, providing many patients with relief from the pain associated with this