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How Age Contributes to Development of a Prolapsed Disc

A prolapsed disc is another name for a herniated or ruptured disc, which is also known as a “slipped disc.” All of these terms refer to the same spinal condition – a tear or split in the outer wall of an intervertebral disc, through which some of the disc’s gel-like nucleus protrudes into the spinal canal. This can occur anywhere along the spine, but is most common in the lower back, where the lumbar vertebrae bear much of the body’s weight. Men in their 40s and women in their 50s are most susceptible to developing a prolapsed disc, because by that stage of life, daily wear and tear has taken its toll on the spinal anatomy.

Symptoms Associated with a Prolapsed Disc

By the time most people reach middle age, the intervertebral discs have begun to lose water content and elasticity. When the outer wall becomes brittle, pressure from the nucleus can create fissures, which allow the inner material to seep out. More often than not, a herniated disc remains asymptomatic and does not produce discomfort. However, if the extruded disc material begins to interfere with neural activity (a pinched nerve), the following symptoms may arise:

• Localized pain at or near the site of herniation
• Pain in regions of the body innervated by the pinched nerve
• Numbness or tingling in associated regions of the body
• Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
• Paralysis in extreme cases

Managing Prolapsed Disc Symptoms

Most people can manage the symptoms of a herniated disc through the use of pain medication, physical therapy, exercise, behavior modification or other forms of conservative treatment. If chronic pain persists despite weeks or months of conservative treatment, surgery might become an option. Rather than settle for highly invasive open back surgery, tens of thousands of patients have found relief at Laser Spine Institute. Contact us today to learn how a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed using advanced, endoscopic techniques may help you rediscover your life without back or neck pain.

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