A collapsed disc is a spinal condition that occurs when an intervertebral disc (which acts as a shock absorber in the neck or back) becomes misshapen and loses height. This can occur as the result of degenerative disc disease, a bulging or herniated disc, or other spinal conditions that affect the discs.
Symptoms
A collapsed disc can cause pain and discomfort when the bony vertebrae above and below the disc cause a spinal nerve or spinal cord compression. Strength of symptoms is generally directly portional to the extent of compression. Symptoms of an impinged spinal nerve may include dull or sharp pain, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, numbness, and tingling. Patients may experience these symptoms in the neck, back, torso, or extremities, depending on which region of the spine is affected by a collapsed disc.
Alternative treatments
Many patients find relief from the symptoms associated with a compressed spinal nerve through alternative treatments, which can include:
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Massage therapy
- Herbal supplements
- Chiropractics
Though a certain degree of controversy surrounds some of these alternative therapies, many patients credit the above treatments with relieving their collapsed disc symptoms.
A safe and effective alternative to open back surgery
If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate symptom relief, surgery may be required. The endoscopic procedures performed by Laser Spine Institute are a successful alternative to traditional open spinal surgery. Laser Spine Institute’s outpatient procedures utilize endoscopic technology, small incisions, require less anesthesia, present fewer risks and a much shorter recovery time than conventional open back surgery. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn more about our safe and effective endoscopic procedures.
