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• Posterolateral Disc Protrusion

Posterolateral Disc Protrusion

Posterolateral disc protrusionis the most common form of spinal disc disorder. In general, disc protrusions and herniations are categorized based on the specific type of protrusion. In the case of a posterolateral protrusion, the problematic spinal disc has swollen out of its normal resting place and is pushing to the back (posterior) and side (lateral) of the spinal column, potentially leading to nerve irritation.

To better illustrate a disc protrusion, it is helpful to take a closer look at the spinal anatomy. Normally, soft, spongy intervertebral discs lie between each vertebra in the spine, acting as the body’s shock absorbers and permitting flexibility and mobility. Aging or injury can cause these pads to weaken, swell, and herniate. The term posterolateral disc protrusion means the pad has bulged out from between the vertebrae, and depending on the pathology, has come into contact with the nerve infrastructure of the spinal column. It is this nerve compression that results in an individual’s symptoms.

The spinal column surrounds the all-important spinal cord. Nerve roots separate from the spinal cord to the left and the right, exit the spinal column, and continue on to other areas of the body. With a posterolateral disc protrusion, the bulging occurs more toward the back of the spine, possibly pinching a nerve root in that area. With a lateral disc protrusion, the bulging occurs more to the left side or right side, possibly pinching the exiting nerve root there.

There are a number of causes of posterolateral disc protrusion, such as:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Traumatic injury
• Sports-related injury
• Poor posture
• Other external factors, like alcohol abuse or smoking

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Disc protrusion symptoms can vary. In some cases, if a posterolateral disc protrusion hasn’t caused nerve compression, no symptoms will present. In other cases, compression can lead to local back and neck pain, muscle weakness, numbness, and sciatica. To manage these symptoms effectively, a physician must confirm the presence of a protruded disc and ensure that there isn’t another underlying cause of the symptoms. Fortunately, disc protrusion treatments have made the prognosis quite good for patients with this problem. In normal circumstances, a physician should be able to manage a patient’s pain with a conservative, non-surgical treatment plan that includes exercise, physical therapy, and pain medication. In the event that a patient doesn’t sufficiently respond to this treatment plan, a doctor may recommend surgery as an alternative.

If you are considering surgery to treat your posterolateral disc protrusion, contact Laser Spine Institute (LSI) to learn about minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery, a highly successful outpatient alternative to traditional open back surgery.

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