MRI update... PT's welcome :)

[KnottedYet]

Sounds like you're going to PT, unless the protrusion is squooshing into nerves. (numbness, weakness, loss of control, intractable pain)

Imagine you have jelly beans with liquid centers between each of the bones in your spine. One of your jelly beans (the one between L4 and L5, the last two bones of your low back) has gotten flattened a bit and is hanging out a little too far, instead of being nicely centered and bouncy between the bones. Another one (the one between L5 and S1, the last bone of your low back and the start of your pelvis) is also flattened and hanging out a bit, but it also looks like the liquidy center of that jelly bean has oozed out some.

Bulges can slurp back into place when the pressure that flattened the jellybeans in the first place is taken away (a lot of that is posture correction and strengthening and rest from aggravating activities until healed). Protrusions can slurp back some or can stay put or can be taken out in surgery.

The tight hip flexors you got from all those sit-ups can aggravate bulgy stuff. (ask your PT about "anterior pelvic tilt" too, please please please.)

Be diligent with your PT exercises, the precautions they give you, the ways they teach you to get up and down from bed and in and out of the car, and the limitations they put you on. (even if they limit your biking!) Limitations are temporary to give you a chance to heal, so try not to "cheat."

Keep us posted!

[Luna]

KnottedYet, your first reply was good! The edited one was just spectacular. Me and my husband both read your response. We understand more clear. Thank you so much. His question is, is this very serious?

[KnottedYet]

I don't know how serious it is, that would depend on how big all the squooshed bits are and what they may be touching or pushing into. (The idea that you feel better after just a week of limited activity make me think it's probably within the realm of PT, but don't quote me on that!)

Most people have disc bulges here and there and now and then, which don't bother them until something else comes along to aggravate the situation. Your DH probably has one or two and doesn't even know it!

Your body can compensate for a zillion things, but along comes the last straw and suddenly you find out about *everything*! Even stuff that might not be causing the pain you feel!