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What is a Prolapsed Disc?

You may have asked yourself, "What is a prolapsed disc?" after your doctor informed you that this condition was causing your chronic back pain. Perhaps your doctor explained it to you, but it pays to be fully educated about this condition, its causes and symptoms, and potential treatment options

What Causes a Prolapsed Disc?

A prolapsed disc – often referred to as a "slipped disc" – is another term for a herniated or ruptured disc. All these terms mean that the gel-like inner material of an intervertebral disc has pushed through the outer disc wall, which can occur when a disc degenerates as part of the natural aging process. In fact, natural wear and tear over the years is the primary culprit behind a prolapsed disc. Discs lose water content, become thin and weak, and become more susceptible to herniation.

Symptoms

Interestingly, a prolapsed disc by itself is entirely asymptomatic. It's when the inner disc material that has extruded into the spinal canal compresses a nerve that symptoms arise. This nerve compression can cause:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Tingling

Treatment Options

Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, hot/cold therapy, pain medication, exercise, and others are typically very effective in easing the symptoms of a prolapsed disc. However, some patients aren't able to reduce their pain through these methods and instead turn to surgery. If you've failed to find relief after weeks or months of conservative treatments, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Our advanced endoscopic procedures are safe, effective alternatives to open back surgery and have helped tens of thousands of patients rediscover their lives without back and neck pain.

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