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What Are the Symptoms of a Collapsed Disc?

The term “collapsed disc” is a common colloquialism that is used to describe conditions that affect the intervertebral discs and cause the space between vertebrae to diminish. This term is usually used to describe a herniated disc, a bulging disc, or degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms

When a disc collapses and causes compression of a spinal nerve, patients can experience a number of symptoms, including:

• Pain in the neck, back and/or extremities
• Weakness
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle spasms

These symptoms can vary in severity and may be experienced in different parts of the body, depending on the location of the compressed nerve. A pinched nerve in the cervical (neck) region of the spine, for instance, may cause the above symptoms in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands, while a pinched nerve in the thoracic (middle) region of the spine may cause discomfort in the ribs and torso. Collapsed discs are most common in the lumbar (lower) region of the spine since this area is responsible for supporting the majority of a person’s weight. A collapsed disc in the lumbar region typically causes symptoms in the lower back, buttocks, legs, and feet.

Treatment Options

These symptoms are usually alleviated with conservative treatments such as rest, pain medications, steroidal spine injections, and moderate exercise. Patients who continue to experience the symptoms of a collapsed disc despite months of conservative therapy may want to consider a minimally invasive outpatient procedure from Laser Spine Institute. Our safe and effective endoscopic procedures present fewer complications than open back surgery. Contact Laser Spine Institute to learn more and to schedule a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.

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