Collapsed Disc

A collapsed disc is a degenerative spine condition that can lead to back or neck pain when a nerve root or the spinal cord become compressed within the spinal column. A collapsed disc – which is a colloquial term for degenerative disc disease – describes the discernible loss of disc height in the intervertebral disc that normally cushions the spine. Treatment options for disc deterioration vary widely in application and relative invasiveness, though nonsurgical treatments are generally sufficient for the majority of patients to successfully manage their symptoms.

Anatomy

In a healthy spine, the vertebrae that comprise the spinal column in the back and neck are separated by soft, thick intervertebral discs.  These discs help provide the flexibility of the spine and help the back and neck support significant body weight.  Over the years, however, these discs – particularly in the neck and lower back – begin to wear out.  The discs lose water and protein content and become brittle and thin (or “collapse”), which can cause fissures to develop in the fibrous walls and the gel-like disc material to pour into the spinal column.

In reality, this condition sounds much worse than it actually is. Disc herniation is extremely common and typically only becomes symptomatic when the herniated disc material comes into contact with a nerve root or the spinal cord. That being said, nerve compression can often lead to chronic pain and other symptoms in the back and neck, including:

• Pain that radiates along the affected nerve
• Localized pain at the site of compression
• Muscle fatigue, soreness, or weakness
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Diminished reflexes or motor skills

Treatments

If you are experiencing back or neck pain, the first step is to visit your doctor.  If it is determined that nerve compression as a result of a collapsed disc is causing your back or neck pain, a number of treatments may be recommended.  Should your pain persist through conservative treatment, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn how one of our advanced, minimally invasive decompression procedures may be able to provide you with the pain relief you require.