_{Are bulging discs associated with lumbar}

I had my last lumbar punch in 2007, normally it was a 30 minute procedure and they got it with one stick. The last one took 4.5 hours and they stuck me 10 times before they got it in. Since that time, I have had continuing and worsening pain in my back,hips, legs, feet and now my arms. I have complained many times since then to my primary about the discomfort, and pain, but his focus was mainly on the IH. The pain finally got so bad that I went to the Dr. last Thursday as I couldn't hardly even walk, I went for a MRI on my lumbar spine this morning, and I received a call this evening from the Dr. and they told me that I had a bulging disc from my L5 to my S1, and am now waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon. I know that this was caused by the last lp that I had. I have been doing some research online, and I found some Neurologist that say they aren't connected but find others that say it is possible if the needle penetrates too deep, and the L4 and L5 is where they go into the spine for the LP's. Does anyone have any information on this?

Hi Ladonna it's good to see you back , but I am so sorry that you are having these problems. With myself the experience I had was with the lumbar area, although I didn't have a bulging disc, I have been told it was caused by the LP's and the LP shunts that I had, unfortunately in my case the damage is permanent.

For years when I was suffering back pain I was told that it was mechanical and couldn't be because of the LP's, until I had the LP shunt, and my legs wouldn't even hold me up anymore because the pain in my lumbar area and legs was so intense, that my Neurologist finally sent me to the Pain Clinic. They explained how each time the LP was done it was causing scarring, and the costant drawing of CSF was causing my discs to drop. The LP shunt caused a lot more damage to the nerves and my lumbar area, which is why I now can only walk short distances, and with a stick. Once I was put on pain medication etc it has been bearable.

So it would make sense if your bulging disc was caused by the LP's especially if it's in the area they were doing them.

Quote :

Can a lumbar puncture lead to disc herniation. Yes it can but this is a rather remote situation. Rarely, if the needle is pushed beyond the subarachnoid space, the annulus fibrosis can be damaged, resulting in disc herniation or discitis or vertebral collapse [reference: Bhatoe HS, Gill HS, Kumar N, Biswas S. Post lumbar puncture discitis and vertebral collapse. Postgrad Med J. 1994;70:882-883.]Dr. Tamer Fouad.
Doctors Lounge

Hope this helps.Maybe other members have experience of this too.

Ladonna, I'm so sorry! I have a degenerative disc in the same area, but they're all denying it's from the lumbar taps or shunt. I was off work for over a week after my last LP, but docotr said it was from swelling and irritation due to multiple needles/attempts. I honestly don't think they know..you might get a more honest explanation from the orthopedic surgeon. I'm glad they're moving forward and trying to get you some relief, but sorry you have to deal w/ this in addition to everything else..hang in there!


Julie

Thanks for the comments and info. I have an appt with an orthopedic Dr. the 4th. Hope all are doing well, and will keep you updated on what the Dr. says.God Bless and have a great day!!