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Is Disc Protrusion Affected by Aging?

Disc protrusion occurs when one of the intervertebral discs in your spine bulges past its normal boundary. Also commonly referred to as a bulging disc, a disc protrusion can be caused by a number of factors, but the primary one is aging. As we get older, our discs lose water content and can become harder, thinner, and/or deformed. This is a natural part of the aging process, and these changes are often collectively grouped under the term degenerative disc disease.

Effects of a Disc Protrusion

Getting older is unavoidable, and so is the natural deterioration of your discs. However, this doesn't necessarily guarantee that everyone will experience symptoms of disc protrusion or other discogenic issues once they hit a certain age. The fact of the matter is that disc changes won't cause you any problems – unless they produce compression on a nearby spinal nerve. When this happens, the symptoms can be potentially debilitating. They can include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Tingling

Treatment

While there's no magical cure for aging, there are some very effective treatment options for age-related disc problems – such as disc protrusion – and their symptoms. After speaking with your doctor about your condition and symptoms, it's likely you'll be advised to try any of a variety of nonsurgical, conservative treatments like pain medication, hot/cold therapy, physical therapy, stretching, or others. If these conservative options fail to bring you pain relief after a few weeks or months, contact Laser Spine Institute today to learn more about our minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures and how they can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

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