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• Intervertebral Disc Protrusion

Intervertebral Disc Protrusion

An intervertebral disc protrusion is similar to a bulging disc. Both conditions involve the soft, cushiony discs that are located between the bony vertebrae of the spine. Both conditions also involve a disc that is pushing beyond the normal perimeter of the spinal column.

A disc protrusion, however, is a slightly more advanced case of bulging disc, as a matter of fact, a protrusion may mean the intervertebral disc is approaching a rupture point. Once the disc ruptures and the inner disc material (nucleus pulposus) leaks from the thick, outer disc layer (annulus fibrosus), the condition is aptly called a ruptured or herniated disc.

An intervertebral disc protrusion is usually the result of aging. Over time, the outer fibers of our intervertebral discs erode, causing them to become very brittle. The inner nucleus pulposus succumbs to everyday pressures and moves beyond its normal parameters. Eventually, the disc will collapse and extend outside of its vertebral space. Unfortunately, disc protrusions can push into spinal nerves as they pass through the spinal column on their way to other parts of the body. This neural pressure is what ultimately causes disc protrusion symptoms like pain, muscle weakness, and the other symptoms of nerve damage.

To help relieve the pain associated with intervertebral disc protrusion, doctors may recommend a regimen of conservative treatment, including:

• Physical therapy – gentle stretching and muscle-building can help strengthen surrounding muscles, thus lessening the pressure on the damaged area.
• Mild exercise – low-impact cardiovascular workouts can help build endurance, which can increase mobility and flexibility.
• Steroid injections – cortisone is often injected in the epidural space as a way to reduce inflammation.
• Medication – prescription and over-the-counter drugs aimed at pain relief and inflammation reduction can help patients continue their physical therapy and exercise regimen.

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The above treatments are not always effective for every patient who suffers from disc protrusion, but there are alternative disc protrusion treatments available. Laser Spine Institute (LSI) offers minimally-invasive, outpatient procedures that have shown tremendous success in helping tens of thousands of patients with back and neck conditions like disc protrusion. Contact LSI today to learn more about our procedures, and to receive a free review of your MRI or CT scan.

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