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Disc Extrusion Definition

Disc extrusion is a degenerative spine condition that occurs when the inner material of an intervertebral disc seeps into the spinal column. This condition isn’t necessarily symptomatic, but when the herniated disc material comes into contact with a spinal nerve, nerve root, or the spinal cord itself, a number of painful symptoms may be experienced depending on the specific nerve that is affected. Treatment of disc extrusion is normally first attempted conservatively with a variety of noninvasive techniques, with spine surgery and disc excision reserved for patients with debilitating symptoms.

The most common way to develop disc extrusion – also known as a herniated disc – is to do nothing but grow older. As we age, the soft, spongy discs that cushion our spine gradually begin to deteriorate as water and protein content diminish. Eventually the discs weaken and become brittle, allowing annular tears to develop in the fibrous outer walls of the disc. It is through these tears that the nucleus material escapes the disc. Pain occurs when this extruded disc material comes into contact with a spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself. Disc extrusion can also occur when a disc becomes weakened or damaged as a result of an injury or another environmental factor.

Treatment Options for a Herniated Disc

If you are suffering from disc extrusion, there are a number of treatments that may be recommended to alleviate your pain. In fact, in most cases, the pain from a ruptured disc can be managed with a series of conservative, noninvasive treatments. These can include:

• Low-impact exercise
• Stretching techniques like yoga or Pilates
• Vertebral manipulation
• Chiropractics
• Over-the-counter or prescription medication
• Healthy diet
• Hot or cold compresses
• And others

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Further treatment may be required if you can't find sufficient relief from conservative treatments. If you are considering an open spine surgery to treat your lingering pain, first contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how one of our outpatient procedures may be able to provide you with the relief you require without the recovery and rehabilitation of an invasive procedure.

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