Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hello, I have had a CT done of the Lumbosacral spine. What does a broad based annular disc bulge at L5/S1 with anterior theca distortion mean? There is disc material seen impinging onto the exiting S1 nerve root. Also disc bulge at L3/4 and L4/5.I frequently have quite severe pain across my lower back and this creates sciatic nerve pain through my legs. I have pulling, pinching sensations. I can have intense burning in the back of my thighs, pain on the outer part of my calf and pain shooting intensely into the middle of my heal. I can also experience some loss of feeling in my legs.I would greatly appreciate it if I could get a more detailed explanation of what is happening inside me and what kind of exercises could best help me manage this problem.Thankyou,AAAAA
[|AI|]  HI, thanks for using Chat Doctor Between the vertebra (the bones in the back), there are discs. These discs are made up of an outer ring called the annulus fibrosis and an inner part called the nucleus pulposus. The bulge that was seen between L5 vertebra and S1 vertebra was a bulging of the outside ring or annulus. The theta is a sheath covering the spinal cord, due to the bulging of the annulus, there is also is distortion of this sheath. The imaging also saw bulging between L3 and L4 vertebra and L4 and L5 vertebra. The bulging disc is compressing the nerve that is exiting from the S1 vertebra or bone at the level of S1. These results would definitely contribute to your pain. Your doctor would likely suggest referral to the physiotherapist. The physiotherapist would be able to demonstrate exercises that may help you. You may also need medication to help reduce your symptoms. It can sometimes take a month, sometimes up to a year for improvements to be seen. I hope this helps