Disc extrusion prevention is technically not possible. That’s because an extruded disc is a form of degenerative disc disease, meaning it is a natural part of the unavoidable process of getting older. Over the years, your spinal anatomy – including the intervertebral discs – gradually degenerates. Your discs lose water content and height, and can extrude past their normal boundaries. This is what is known as a disc extrusion, or a bulging disc. While you technically can’t prevent an extruded disc, that doesn’t mean you can’t treat its symptoms. But what exactly are the symptoms of an extruded disc?
Symptoms of a Disc Extrusion
Interestingly, an extruded disc will not cause any symptoms by itself. Only when the extruded disc places pressure on a nearby spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself will symptoms arise. These typically will include:
- Pain centered on the area of nerve compression
- Pain that radiates, or travels, the length of the compressed nerve
- Weakness
- Tingling
- Numbness
Treatment Options
Now that you’ve learned about the causes and symptoms of an extruded disc and resultant neural compression, the next step is to speak with your doctor about treatment options. The good news is that conservative, nonsurgical options are usually very effective in managing symptoms. These treatments can include pain medication, hot/cold therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractics, among others. However, if weeks or months of conservative treatments have failed to ease your pain, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Our orthopedic specialists perform a variety of minimally invasive procedures that are safe and effective alternatives to open back or open neck surgery.
