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How to Treat a Collapsed Disc

How to Treat a Collapsed Disc

The term “collapsed disc” is often used as a colloquialism for one of several disc conditions, such as degenerative disc disease or a bulging or herniated disc, which involves an intervertebral disc that has lost some of its height. When a disc loses its height, the space between the vertebrae can become smaller, sometimes causing a spinal nerve to become compressed.

Symptoms

A collapsed disc typically only becomes symptomatic when a spinal nerve becomes pinched or compressed. Most patients with an impinged spinal nerve experience symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms. These symptoms can be felt in the neck, back or extremities, depending on which region of the spine contains the compressed nerve.

Treatments

Most doctors will begin treatment for a collapsed disc with one or more of the following conservative treatments:

  • Pain medications (either prescription or over-the-counter)
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Hot/cold compresses
  • Moderate exercise
  • Intermittent rest
  • Spinal injections

Some patients also benefit from alternative therapies such as Pilates, yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, and massage therapy. Patients should be sure to discuss medication and exercise programs with their doctors in advance to reduce the risk of serious complications or further injury.

If conservative and alternative treatments fail to provide relief from the symptoms of a collapsed disc and a compressed spinal nerve, patients may want to consider the minimally invasive, outpatient procedures performed by the orthopedic surgeons at Laser Spine Institute. Utilizing endoscopic technology, our procedures require smaller incisions than open back surgery, allowing many patients to enjoy fewer risks and a much shorter recovery time. Contact Laser Spine Institute today for more information.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.

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Have you been in pain for 6 months or more?

Have you seen an orthopedic or neurosurgeon who has recommended that you have surgery to correct your condition?

Have you had an MRI or CT scan in the last 5 years?

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