Disc degeneration, bulges and protrusions can appear on imaging in people with or without pain. The important task is to match the scan with your symptoms, examination, function and neurological signs.
Drive
Reduced confidence, deconditioning, stiffness after rest
Waterway
Heaviness or swelling that does not fit a simple back pattern
Pressure
Leg pain, numbness, weakness or sensitivity to load
Idea in one picture
The DIGEST overview
| Lens | What may stand out | Care focus |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | Reduced confidence, deconditioning, stiffness after rest | Graded activity and rehabilitation suited to current capacity |
| Waterway | Heaviness or swelling that does not fit a simple back pattern | Check for other causes rather than attributing everything to the disc |
| Pressure | Leg pain, numbness, weakness or sensitivity to load | Clinical examination and escalation when neurological signs progress |