Paramedian thecal sac indentation refers to an impression or flattening of the dural (thecal) sac just off the midline (paramedian) within the spinal canal, usually seen on cross-sectional imaging such as MRI or CT scans. It indicates that a structure—most often disc material, bony spurs (osteophytes), or thickened ligaments—is pushing into the space normally occupied by the cerebrospinal fluid and nerve roots RadiopaediaRadiopaedia.
Anatomy of the Thecal Sac
The thecal sac is the membranous sheath of dura mater that envelops the spinal cord and cauda equina.
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Structure & Location: A continuous extension of the cranial dura, the spinal thecal sac lies within the vertebral canal from the foramen magnum down to about the level of the second sacral vertebra (S2), where it tapers into the filum terminale IMAIOS.
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Origin & Insertion: Superiorly, it attaches at the foramen magnum of the occipital bone; inferiorly, it blends with the filum terminale internum and externum, anchoring to the coccyx IMAIOS.
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Blood Supply: Vascular supply comes from meningeal branches of the vertebral, ascending pharyngeal, occipital, and segmental radicular arteries; venous drainage is via meningeal veins draining into the dural sinuses and epidural venous plexus NCBIRadiopaedia.
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Nerve Supply: Sensory innervation arises from recurrent (sinuvertebral) branches of spinal nerves and contributions from the trigeminal (CN V), vagus (CN X), and upper cervical nerves (C1–C3) NCBIKenhub.
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Functions:
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Protective Barrier: Shields the spinal cord and nerve roots from mechanical damage.
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CSF Containment: Holds cerebrospinal fluid, providing a fluid buffer and nutrient medium.
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Shock Absorption: Cushions neural elements against sudden movements.
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Nutrient/Waste Exchange: Allows diffusion of nutrients and removal of waste.
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Support of Nerve Roots: Maintains proper alignment and spacing of exiting nerve roots.
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Immune Privilege: Acts as a barrier to systemic infections reaching the central nervous system KenhubVerywell Health.
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Types of Thecal Sac Indentation
Indentations of the thecal sac are described by location and severity:
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Central Indentation: Direct impingement at the midline.
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Paramedian (Paracentral) Indentation: Just lateral to the midline, typical of posterolateral disc protrusions RadiopaediaRadiopaedia.
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Lateral Recess Indentation: In the subarticular zone, often from facet hypertrophy or ligamentum flavum thickening Radiology Key.
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Foraminal Indentation: Occurs in the neural foramen by extraforaminal disc material or osteophytes.
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Extraforaminal Indentation: Beyond the foramen, rare and usually indicative of large sequestrated fragments.
Causes
Possible causes of paramedian thecal sac indentation include:
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Degenerative Disc Bulge Radiopaedia
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Disc Protrusion Radiopaedia
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Disc Extrusion/Sequestration Radiopaedia
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Osteophyte Formation Applied Radiology
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Facet Joint Hypertrophy Applied Radiology
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Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy Applied Radiology
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Synovial Cyst Radiology Assistant
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Epidural Lipomatosis Radiopaedia
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Spinal Stenosis (Central or Lateral) Radiopaedia
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Spondylolisthesis (Degenerative) Wikipedia
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Ankylosing Spondylitis (Syndesmophytes) Wikipedia
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Paget’s Disease of Bone Wikipedia
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Vertebral Metastasis or Primary Tumor Radiopaedia
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Epidural Abscess Radiopaedia
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Epidural Hematoma Radiopaedia
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Congenital Canal Narrowing (Short Pedicles) Radiopaedia
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Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) Wikipedia
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (Pannus Formation) Wikipedia
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Iatrogenic Epidural Fibrosis (Post-Surgery) PMC
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Trauma with Fracture or Dislocation Radiopaedia
Symptoms
Patients with paramedian thecal sac indentation may report:
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Low back pain Wikipedia
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Buttock or leg pain (radicular) Wikipedia
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Neurogenic claudication (leg cramping with walking) Wikipedia
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Numbness or tingling Wikipedia
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Muscle weakness Wikipedia
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Gait disturbance or unsteadiness Wikipedia
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Reduced endurance standing or walking Wikipedia
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Balance problems Wikipedia
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Loss of reflexes StatPearls
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Muscle spasms Spine-health
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Bladder dysfunction (in severe cases) Radiopaedia
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Bowel dysfunction (in severe cases) Radiopaedia
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Sexual dysfunction Radiopaedia
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Sensory level changes StatPearls
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Hyperalgesia or allodynia Wikipedia
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Local spinal tenderness Spine-health
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Restrictive posture (flexed stance) Wikipedia
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Pain relief on bending forward Wikipedia
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Fatigue in lower limbs Wikipedia
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Heightened pain with extension ScienceDirect
Diagnostic Tests
Evaluation often includes a combination of clinical and imaging studies:
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Physical & Neurological Examination ScienceDirect
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Straight Leg Raise Test ScienceDirect
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Gait Analysis ScienceDirect
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Reflex Testing PMC
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Plain Radiography (X-ray) PMC
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MRI of the Spine PMC
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CT Scan PMC
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CT Myelography PMC
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Discography PMC
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Bone Scan PMC
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Electromyography (EMG) PMC
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Nerve Conduction Studies PMC
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Blood Tests (CBC, ESR, CRP) Radiopaedia
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CSF Analysis (if infection suspected) Radiopaedia
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Ultrasound (epidural lipomatosis) Wikipedia
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DEXA Scan (Paget’s/osteoporosis) PMC
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Myelogram Wikipedia
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Vascular Studies (if claudication unclear) Wikipedia
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Dynamic Flexion-Extension Imaging Radiology Assistant
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Facet Joint Injections (diagnostic) Verywell HealthWikipedia
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Conservative measures can ease symptoms and improve function:
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Physical therapy (core strengthening)
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Aerobic conditioning (walking)
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Flexion-based exercises
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Extension-avoidance strategies
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Posture correction
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Weight management
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Back braces/orthoses
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Aquatic therapy
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Hydrotherapy
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Spinal traction
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Manual therapy (mobilization)
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Chiropractic adjustments
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Trigger-point massage
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Myofascial release
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Heat therapy (thermotherapy)
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Cold therapy (cryotherapy)
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
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Ultrasound therapy
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Low-level laser therapy
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Acupuncture
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Yoga
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Pilates
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Tai Chi
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Ergonomic modification (workstation)
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Gait training
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Assistive devices (cane, walker)
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Biofeedback
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Mindfulness & relaxation techniques
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Cognitive behavioral therapy
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Patient education & activity modification Wikipedia
Drugs
Pharmacological options often include:
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Acetaminophen
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Ibuprofen
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Naproxen
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Celecoxib
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Diclofenac
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Ketorolac
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Tramadol
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Oxycodone
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Morphine
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Gabapentin
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Pregabalin
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Duloxetine
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Amitriptyline
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Venlafaxine
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Cyclobenzaprine
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Baclofen
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Tizanidine
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Carbamazepine
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Oral corticosteroids (prednisone)
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Epidural steroid injections Wikipedia
Surgeries
When conservative therapy fails, surgical decompression may be indicated:
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Laminectomy (decompression) Wikipedia
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Laminotomy Wikipedia
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Foraminotomy Wikipedia
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Microdiscectomy Wikipedia
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Spinal fusion Wikipedia
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Interspinous process spacer (e.g., X-STOP) Wikipedia
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Endoscopic decompression Wikipedia
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Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) Wikipedia
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Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) Wikipedia
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Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) Wikipedia
Preventions
To reduce risk of thecal sac indentation:
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Practice good posture
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Regular core stabilization exercises
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Avoid heavy lifting or improper technique
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Stay active with low-impact exercise
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Ergonomic workplace setup
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Smoking cessation (improves disc health)
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Bone-strengthening nutrition (calcium, vitamin D)
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Manage chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes)
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Early treatment of back injuries Wikipedia
When to See a Doctor
Seek prompt medical advice if you experience:
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Sudden severe back pain after trauma
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Progressive leg weakness or numbness
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Loss of bladder or bowel control
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Severe gait disturbance
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Pain unrelieved by rest or conservative care Radiopaedia
Frequently Asked Questions
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What exactly causes paramedian indentation?
Usually bulging or herniated disc material or bony overgrowth pushing on the thecal sac Wikipedia. -
Is it always painful?
Not always; some people have indentation without symptoms Wikipedia. -
Can it lead to permanent nerve damage?
If severe and untreated, yes—nerve compression can cause lasting deficits PMC. -
How is it diagnosed?
MRI is the gold standard, often supplemented by CT or myelography PMC. -
Are X-rays useful?
They can show bony changes but not soft-tissue indentations Wikipedia. -
Can it resolve without surgery?
Many cases improve with conservative care over weeks to months Wikipedia. -
What exercises help?
Flexion-based exercises and core strengthening are beneficial Wikipedia. -
Do injections work?
Epidural steroids can provide short-term relief but long-term benefits are mixed Wikipedia. -
When is surgery recommended?
For persistent pain, neurological deficits, or bladder/bowel dysfunction after 3–6 months of conservative care PMC. -
What are surgical risks?
Infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and failed back surgery syndrome PMC. -
Is MRI safe?
Yes, it uses magnetic fields and no ionizing radiation ScienceDirect. -
Can I drive with this condition?
Depends on symptoms; leg weakness or severe pain may impair driving Wikipedia. -
Will it affect my work?
Jobs requiring heavy lifting or prolonged standing may worsen symptoms Wikipedia. -
Does smoking worsen it?
Yes—smoking accelerates disc degeneration and healing impairment ScienceDirect. -
How often should I follow up?
Typically every 6–12 weeks during initial conservative management
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Last Updated: May 03, 2025.