Hi all. I'm going through some legal stuff and I think I'm going to make life goal to help either change some laws or help people who get caught in the "system".

I had a herniated disc at L5-S1 in 2002. The disc was extruded (all out through the annulus firbrosis) but wasn't totally sitting on nerves, so the neurosurgeon decided not to operate.

Question: What happens to a disc or the disc spacing that has no contained nucleus pulposis?


If you've answered the above question, then the next question is on "the results, effects, long-term sequelae" of the disc in 1-5 years and 5-10 years?


I've been looking the net over for "long-term sequelae of non-operative extruded herniated disc". Not in those exact words, but simular. I can't seem to find much info.

You see, in a worker's comp. claim in Oregon, if you have a "pre-existing condition", they say your pain is from DDD. But yet, I wouldn't have the "pre-existing condition" of DDD if I didn't have the "sudden physical trauma injury" that resulted in the herniation of the disc. Catch-22 .


My radiologist in 2002 (I spoke with him recently) said that I had some very mild degenerative changes. His words were, "Probably 4 months prior to the injury." I've been told that is not much. Tears and herniations usually take years to develope, so I've read and been told.

The IME (Independent Medical Examiner) said, "Injury was from a sudden physical activity. Result was sudden onset pain. That is, this is not of degenerative issues."

Has anyone had to deal with this? It's a nasty circle, like I said, a catch-22.