Disc Bulge & Thecal Sac Indentation: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Disc Bulge with Indenting the Ventral Thecal Sac

A disc bulge is a condition where the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc protrudes through a weakened area of the outer, fibrous ring of the disc. This can put pressure on the nerves that run through the spine and cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the back, arms, or legs.

In some cases, a disc bulge can also indent the ventral thecal sac, which is the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord. This can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause more severe symptoms, such as difficulty walking, bowel or bladder problems, or muscle spasms.

Disc bulges with indenting the ventral thecal sac are often treated with conservative measures, such as physical therapy, pain medication, and epidural steroid injections. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and improve symptoms.