What is thecal sac impingement?
Thecal Sac Compression – The spinal cord and nerves are also protected by a membrane filled with cerebral spinal fluid known as the thecal sac or dural sac. Flattening or compression of the thecal sac will occur in other conditions that cause pressure or pinching of the spinal cord, such as stenosis.
Can spinal compression cause paralysis?
If compression increases, symptoms may worsen. If all nerve impulses are blocked, the following result: Paralysis (which can cause problems with breathing if the spinal cord in the neck is compressed) Complete loss of sensation in the area controlled by the part of the spinal cord below the compressed part.
Can a compressed spine be fixed?
Spinal cord compression surgery can include removing bone spurs, repairing fractured vertebrae, or stabilizing the spine with rods and screws or fusion. Treatments include: Emergency surgery to repair a broken spine, which may include removing bone or disc fragments.
What does L5-S1 pain feel like?
Pain, generally felt as a sharp, shooting, and/or searing feeling in the buttock, thigh, leg, foot, and/or toes. Numbness in the foot and/or toes. Weakness in the leg and/or foot muscles and an inability to lift the foot off the floor (foot drop)
Is there an impingement on the thecal sac?
Thecal sac impingement is often noted on diagnostic imaging reports of people with various back pain and neck pain conditions. The thecal sac is the protective membrane which surrounds the spinal cord and other vital neurological structures.
What is the L5 and S1 nerve root impingement?
Impingement of a nerve between the L5 and S1 vertebrae indicates the structure is placing pressure on the nerve root. According to the Laser Spine Institute, this is one of the most common of all pinched nerves. This nerve root feeds the sciatic nerve, and impingement has the potential to affect the lower buttocks, legs and feet.
Can a herniated disc impinge the thecal sac?
Herniated disc encroaching on the thecal sac. Herniated disc displacing the thecal sac. In all cases, this means that the bulging portion of the disc is making contact to some degree with the thecal membrane and enacting some force against the side wall of the structure.
What happens if your thecal sac is compressed?
Since its mission is to insulate and protect all the sensitive nerve tissue in the spine, its malfunctioning can affect not only your mobility, but also cause significant discomfort and pain. Sometimes, the thecal sac becomes compressed by non-threatening causes; it is only temporary and it doesn’t cause major concern.