Definition of Discogenic

“Discogenic” is a term used to describe a condition or discomfort that pertains to an abnormality in one or more intervertebral discs. While a damaged disc can be painful in and of itself because there are nerve fibers in the disc’s outer wall (the annulus fibrosus), it is more common for pain to occur because disc material is pressing on a nearby spinal nerve.

What Causes Disc Abnormalities?

The spine is made up of ligaments, joints, muscles, nerves, vertebrae, and intervertebral discs. Gradual degeneration of these components due to the natural aging process is the most common cause of disc abnormalities, but obesity, overexertion, arthritis, illness, or injury can also play a role. Degenerative disc abnormalities that can cause discogenic pain may include the following:

• Herniated disc – the disc wall tears and allows the inner material (nucleus pulposus) to extrude into the spinal canal, potentially causing nerve compression.
• Bulging disc – the nucleus pulposus presses on the disc wall; while the disc remains intact, it bulges or protrudes into the spinal canal.
• Internal disc disruption – the innermost layer of the disc wall tears and the protein-laden nucleus pulposus irritates the nerves in the annulus and causes the collagen in the annulus to break down.
• Disc sequestration – the extruded disc material from a herniated disc actually separates from the disc and enters the spinal canal.

Treating Discogenic Pain

If your doctor diagnoses your back or neck pain as discogenic in nature, he or she may suggest a regimen of conservative treatments like pain medication, behavior modification, intermittent rest, or hot-cold therapy. In the event that these methods prove ineffective, Laser Spine Institute may be able to help. We offer a variety of minimally invasive procedures that utilize state-of-the-art endoscopic technology aimed at releasing neural compression. Contact us today for a complimentary review of your MRI or CT scan and find out if you could be a candidate.