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How Are a Disc Extrusion and Aging Linked?

A disc extrusion and aging are most often inextricably linked. That's because an extruded disc is a form of degenerative disc disease, meaning the intervertebral discs gradually deteriorate under years of wear and tear as you age. This unavoidable degeneration over the years as discs lose water content and height can result in the extrusion, or bulging, of one or more discs at any point in the spine. But is this a risk?you should be concerned about?

Symptoms of an Extruded Disc

Interestingly, an extruded disc doesn't cause any symptoms on its own. In fact, you might have one or more extruded discs at this very moment that aren't causing you any problems. Only when the disc bulges to the point that it places pressure on a nearby spinal nerve or the spinal cord itself will symptoms arise. These can include:

• Localized pain at the site of compression
• Pain that travels the length of the affected nerve
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness

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Treatment

While a disc extrusion is most often the result of aging, which is unavoidable, that doesn't mean treating the symptoms is impossible. In fact, a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatments is usually very effective in managing the symptoms of an extruded disc. Whether it's physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, pain medication, massage, or any of a variety of other choices, these nonsurgical techniques can be great ways to mitigate pain and other symptoms. However, if you've failed to ease your pain after weeks or months of conservative treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Our endoscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and are safe and effective alternatives to open spine surgery.

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