Herniated Disc – What Is It?

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Herniated Disc – What Is It?

To understand the condition known as herniated disc, it's first necessary to know the function and anatomy of a healthy spinal disc. Intervertebral discs serve to cushion the vertebrae in the spine, absorbing stress and keeping them from rubbing against one another. These discs consists of two main parts: a tough exterior layer known as the annulus fibrosus, and a jelly–like interior layer that is contained by this exterior layer and is known as the nucleus pulposus. In a healthy disc, the annulus fibrosus protects the nucleus pulposus, but in a herniated disc it has become compromised and split open, allowing this core material to leak out into the surrounding area.

Herniated Disc – What Can It Do?

In most cases, a herniated disc will not cause symptoms because the nucleus pulposus does not leak far enough or in a direction that it impinges upon a nerve root or the spinal cord. However, if it does put pressure on one of these structures, or irritates the nerve endings in the outer layer, the result can be symptoms including:

Pain
Muscle spasms
Weakness
Tingling
Numbness
Headaches
More

Herniated Disc – How Do You Treat It?

Most times, a herniated disc will resolve itself with time, and the best treatment is usually simple rest. If the herniated disc symptoms become so severe that they cause a significant and negative impact on your life, there are many ways to minimize them and manage the discomfort while healing, including stretching, taking pain medication, exercising, attending physical therapy, and more. For most people, one or a combination of these options will be more than enough, but for some, surgery is recommended as a final resort for relief. In this case, they can choose between open back and neck procedures, which require a hospital stay; general anesthesia; and a long recovery time of months or more; or endoscopic procedures, which provide relief without these downfalls.

If you'd like to learn more about endoscopic or minimally invasive techniques to treat a chronic herniated disc, contact Laser Spine Institute. We'll be happy to have one of our experienced spine doctors review your of our procedures.

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