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Disc Protrusions

Disc protrusions affect the intervertebral discs of the spinal column. If we imagine our spine as a long, cylindrical structure that is made up of vertebrae (the arched segments of bone through which our spinal cord passes), there are small, oval-shaped discs of padding between each vertebra that support and cushion the spine. These discs consist of an outer wall, called an annulus fibrosus (literally “fibrous ring”), and an inner, gel-like material, called nucleus pulposus (literally “pulpy center”).

As we grow older, intervertebral discs can become diseased or damaged. For instance, the disc may tear and leak inner fluid into the spinal column (disc extrusion or herniated disc). Or, if the disc does not tear, it may still be forced to squeeze outside of its normal perimeters (a bit like squeezing a water balloon at its center). Disc protrusions are similar to bulging discs, but the protruding part can be categorized as focal or broad-based. “Focal” simply means that less than 90 degrees of the disc circumference is protruding beyond the vertebrae above and below the disc. “Broad-based” implies that 90-180 degrees of its circumference is protruding outside of the vertebral boundaries. In cases of a bulging disc, the protrusion or bulge involves more than 180 degrees (or more than half) of the disc’s 360 degree circumference.

The trouble with a disc protrusion lies in the fact that the vertebrae surround small open spaces that house the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots. If part of an intervertebral disc pushes past its normal perimeter, it can then transfer stress to these nerves. This neural compression is what causes disc protrusion symptoms, including:

• Tingling – a “pins-and-needles” feeling in the extremities. This could be a feeling similar to when an arm or leg “falls asleep,” which is also due to temporary neural compression.
• Numbness – if neural compression due to disc protrusions is severe, there could be a complete loss of feeling in the extremities.
• Radiculopathy – pain that begins in the neck and radiates down through the arms (cervical disc protrusion), or begins in the lower back and radiates down to the feet (lumbar disc protrusion, producing a symptom which may be called sciatica because the disc protrusion is pressing on the sciatic nerve).
• Loss of motor skills – disc protrusion can cause muscles lose their strength and responsiveness.

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If your doctor suspects that disc protrusions are causing your symptoms, he or she will likely complete a full physical and an MRI or CT scan before diagnosing a back or neck disc protrusion. If you would like information about successful treatment options for disc protrusions, the experts at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) can tell you about minimally invasive, endoscopic procedures. We are at the forefront of laser-assisted technology that could help you rediscover a life without pain. Contact us today for an MRI or CT scan, completely free of charge.

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