A spine disc protrusion is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is most commonly associated aging or injury. Because the shock-absorbing discs located between the vertebrae help with movement, flexibility, and spine protection, disc disintegration can often have painful and debilitating effects on the rest of the body. Spine disc protrusion can occur in the cervical (upper back and neck), thoracic (middle back), or lumbar (lower back) regions of our spine.
A healthy intervertebral disc is a tough pliable pad interposed between adjacent vertebral bodies. . The oval-shaped vertebral bodies and healthy discs have roughly the same circumference. However, if the discs should tear, shift, or expand beyond their normal circumference (spine disc protrusion), the discs may interfere with other spinal structures, like the nerves that enter and exit the spinal column.Below are some disc protrusion symptoms that correspond with the affected region of the back or neck:
- Cervical disc protrusion – Pain, tingling, or weakness in neck or upper back. Symptoms may radiate from neck to shoulders, arms, and hands. Problems moving head.
- Thoracic disc protrusion – pain may feel as if it is surrounding the chest, rib cage, and torso.
- Lumbar disc protrusion – pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower back or area of the tailbone. Symptoms may travel from the lower back, down through the legs and feet.
If your physician treats you for a spine disc protrusion but you are still suffering with symptoms after several months, let the award-winning experts at Laser Spine Institute talk to you about our minimally invasive, outpatient, laser-assisted procedures. We use the latest in endoscopic technology to remove disc material that is impinging on spinal nerves. Contact Laser Spine Institute today for a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan and to learn how thousands of people have rediscovered lives.
