it means no more cheerleading, alas...

it's a herniated disc, and very painful, I understand.

here's a primer, in mostly layperson's language:

A disc herniation, also called a subligamentous disc, occurs when the nuclear (inner jelly-like portion of the disc) material protrudes into the tears in the annulus in one area and has displaced surrounding anatomical structures, like the spinal cord or nerve roots, i.e. pinched nerve. However, the outer ring of the annulus has not been breached, in other words, no disc material has completely squirted through the outer edges of the disc.

MRI reports frequently use the term disc protrusion interchangeably with disc herniation. A disc protrusion generally refers to a broad-based or slightly asymmetric bulging of the disc with an intact annulus and reflects disc degeneration (see below). Sometimes you may even see the term focal disc protrusion, which usually means the same thing as a disc herniation.

http://www.youcanbefit.com/disc.html


I'll be praying for your niece, as my sister was a cheerleader and gymnast, and was "base" as well... but back then (in the 70s) there were no MRIs and girls were just told to "buck up" and get over it.

she's nearing 50, and still having problems with her back and neck, because it wasn't treated.

so, my recommendation is... get her to a good doctor, and get her HEALED, and have her take it EASY for a good long while until she's TOTALLY better, because unfortunately, re-injuries are common, and you don't want her to have life-long problems.

to your niece, and hope she's feeling better soon !!