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What is a Collapsed Disc?

Many neck and back specialists are often asked the question “What is a collapsed disc?” While this is a common phrase used to describe a spinal condition that can cause considerable pain, it is actually somewhat of a misnomer. Several spinal conditions can cause an intervertebral disc to lose height and the space between vertebrae to shorten, but the disc is not actually collapsed in most cases. Even so, when the space between vertebrae becomes compressed, it is possible that a nerve root traveling between the vertebrae can be pinched, leading to a host of painful symptoms.

Causes

An intervertebral disc can lose height and shape for a number of reasons, but the most common causes include the following spinal conditions:

• Degenerative disc disease – As a person ages, their body undergoes a great deal of change and intervertebral discs are no exception. After years of continued wear, discs can dry out and shrink, which reduces intervertebral space.
• Herniated discs – A herniated disc occurs when the jelly-like center of a disc (the nucleus pulposus) seeps through a tear in the disc’s tough exterior (the annulus fibrosus). If a considerable portion of the nucleus pulposus seeps into the spinal canal, the disc can lose height.

The degenerative spine conditions that can cause a “collapsed disc” can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms including pain in the neck, back, and extremities.

Treatments

A number of treatment options can provide patients with relief. Conservative treatments are often used first for degenerative conditions affecting the neck and back, including those conditions that cause a loss of intervertebral space. These treatment options include prescription or over-the-counter pain medications, heat therapy, bed rest, and physical therapy. Patients who receive little relief from these non-invasive treatments may want to consider the endoscopic procedures offered by Laser Spine Institute. These safe and effective procedures can be used to treat a number of spinal conditions and utilize a small incision, local anesthesia, and IV sedation. Contact Laser Spine Institute for more information.

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