Many patients walk into our office with a magnetic resonance imaging scan in hand, yet still have no real understanding of what is causing their pain. They have seen specialists, taken medications, maybe even considered surgery. Yet they are still looking for answers.
At American Back Centers in Pittsburgh, we believe in helping you truly understand your body. That starts with reviewing your imaging together. In this article, Dr. Pete Peduzzi explains exactly what we look for on a lumbar magnetic resonance imaging scan and what it means for your pain and healing.
Understanding the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine is the lower part of your back. It supports most of your body weight and is made up of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, nerves, and joints. On a magnetic resonance imaging scan, you can clearly see the bones in your spine and the discs that act as cushions between them.
Those discs should look white and full, indicating they are healthy and hydrated. When a disc starts to lose its fluid or bulge out of its space, it becomes a problem.
What Does a Bulging or Herniated Disc Look Like?
When Dr. Pete reviews a scan, he often points out the disc material that is pushing out into the spinal canal. This is what we call a bulging or herniated disc.
A bulging disc happens when the outer edge of the disc weakens and the disc starts to expand. A herniated disc goes further, where part of the inner material breaks through the outer layer and pushes directly onto the spinal canal or nerves.
This pressure can narrow the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis. It can also compress nerves, leading to symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, or even weakness in the feet.
How We Help Relieve Pressure and Restore Your Spine
At American Back Centers, we specialize in treating spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and related conditions without surgery or medication.
Using advanced spinal decompression technology such as VAX-D, we gently create space in the spine, allowing bulging discs to retract and fluids to return. This relieves pressure on nerves and helps the discs heal naturally.
We show patients what is happening in their body using both their scan and our anatomical models, so they can see and understand the cause of their pain. Then we guide them through a custom treatment plan to restore their function and quality of life.
You Have Nothing to Lose But Your Pain
If you have been told that surgery is your only option, or if you are still in pain after trying injections or medications, there is another way.
Our team is here to help you get clarity and start healing naturally.
Book your free consultation in under 5 minutes:
https://americanbackcenters.com/contact/
