Left paracentral disc extrusion is a herniated disc that has leaked nucleus material into the left-central portion of the spinal canal. Most herniated discs do not exhibit symptoms and heal themselves through a process called resorption. However, if extruded nucleus material irritates or compresses an adjacent nerve root or the spinal cord, it can produce symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Because this irritation occurs on the left side of the spinal cord – or affects a nerve root branching off to the left – symptoms are experienced on the left side of the body.
Causes of Left Paracentral Disc Extrusion
The vertebrae of the spine are separated by cushions known as intervertebral discs. These discs are composed of a gel-like inner material known as the nucleus pulposus and a fibrous outer layer, or wall, known as the annulus fibrosus. As the body ages, discs begin to lose their elasticity and height. Increased pressure from the nucleus pulposus forces weakened portions of the annulus fibrosus out of the disc’s normal boundary, and these “bulges” often develop into fissures. Nucleus material then leaks out of the tears into the spinal canal, endangering the neural activities performed by the spinal cord and nearby nerve roots. The same process can be caused in an accelerated form by a traumatic disc injury.
Treatment for Left Paracentral Disc Extrusion
More often than not, conservative treatment methods such as pain medication, exercise, or behavior modification can manage chronic symptoms while resorption takes place. However, if chronic symptoms persist after several weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option. If so, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about our minimally invasive, outpatient procedures to treat the symptoms of a herniated disc. We’ll provide a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan.
