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What Are the Symptoms of a Prolapsed Disc?

What are the symptoms of a prolapsed disc? If you're suffering from chronic back pain, numbness in the extremities, and/or tingling sensations, you may very well already know the answer. These are the most common symptoms of a prolapsed disc, also known as a herniated or "slipped disc." But what exactly is a prolapsed disc, and why is it causing you these problems?

Causes of a Prolapsed Disc

A prolapsed disc most often occurs due to nothing more than the natural aging process. That's because your intervertebral discs gradually lose water content over the years, and can become thinner and more brittle. This deterioration can progress to the point that the nucleus pulposus, the gel-like inner disc material, extrudes through the outer disc wall and into the spinal canal. Interestingly, a prolapsed disc doesn’t cause any problems on its own. Only when the inner disc material places pressure on a nearby nerve, nerve root, or the spinal cord itself (known as nerve compression) will symptoms arise.

Treatment Options

Now that you know what the symptoms and causes of a prolapsed disc are, it's important to educate yourself on treatment options. Most likely, your doctor will advise you to begin a treatment program consisting of conservative measures like physical therapy, pain medication, hot/cold therapy, low-impact exercise, and more. Typically, these options are very effective in managing the symptoms of a prolapsed disc. However, if you've failed to find relief after weeks or months of conservative treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute today. Our safe, effective procedures are alternatives to open back surgery and can help you rediscover your life without back and neck pain.

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