1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Disc Protrusion Articles
• »
• Disc Protrusion Articles

Disc Protrusion Articles

A common source of back and neck pain, disc protrusions are a frustrating condition that occurs when one of the spongy intervertebral discs in the spine becomes swollen or bulged, often leading to nerve compression. Typically caused by injury or the regular aging process, a protruded disc can be present in the lumbar (lower back), thoracic (middle back), and cervical (neck) segments of the spine and cause a variety of pain-related symptoms. Treatment for a protruded disc can range from bed rest to spine surgery, depending on the location and severity of the protruded disc.

In a healthy spine, thick intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae and help provide the flexion and extension that we expect in the back and neck. Over time (or as a result of injury), these discs are prone to deterioration. Water and protein content can change within the disc and the walls of the pads become thinner and may eventually bulge or even rupture. A disc bulge, or protrusion, can press toward the spinal cord, or it can go to the right or left of the spinal cord. This means the bulge can place pressure on the spinal cord itself or on any of the nerve roots that branch off on either side of the spinal cord. The result of nerve compression and irritation is a variety of symptoms that can include local back or neck pain, sciatica, muscle weakness, numbness, and more.

At Laser Spine Institute (LSI), we believe it is important to offer a resource of information to those who may be suffering from any spine condition, including disc protrusion, which is why we have assembled the following articles for review:

• Disc protrusions
• Broad disc protrusion
• Spine disc protrusion
• Intervertebral disc protrusion
• Right paracentral disc protrusion
• Posterior central disc protrusion
• Cervical spine disc protrusion
• Back disc protrusion
• Neck disc protrusion
• Mild disc protrusion

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

Non-surgical treatments for disc protrusions, such as painkillers, exercise, stretching, and the application of heat, are the normal first course of action. However, a patient’s symptoms occasionally are extreme or debilitating enough to warrant the consideration of spine surgery. If this is your prognosis, contact LSI to learn about endoscopic spine procedures, an exciting alternative to open back surgery. Our outpatient procedures are conducted using the latest in laser and computer technology, offering an unparalleled level of precision.

To learn more about disc protrusion and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan, contact LSI today.

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