Herniated Disc Definition

If you believe you are suffering from a herniated disc, it can be helpful to fully understand the definition of the condition and your treatment options before making a final decision on the best way to maintain your health and mobility. In a healthy spine, the vertebrae (bones) that make up the back and neck are padded by soft, spongy discs that act as shock absorbers. These thick pads keep the vertebrae from grinding together and stabilize the spine. However, these discs are also prone to deterioration from wear and tear over time – particularly in the flexible cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine (lower back) – which can lead to the disc becoming herniated, or ruptured.

Anatomy of a Disc

The walls of a healthy disc, known as the annulus fibrosus, are fibrous and designed to be tough and withstand damage. However, as we age, these elastic walls can become thinner and more rigid as their water and protein content changes. A disc becomes herniated when a tear develops in the weakened wall and the soft, jelly-like material in the center of the disc (nucleus pulposus) extrudes into the spinal column. This condition becomes symptomatic when muscles become inflamed or nerves in the column become compressed from the disc.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a herniated disc depend largely on the location and origin of the problem and the specific nerves affected. Common symptoms of nerve compression (see: radiculopathy) include:

• Local, chronic pain in the neck or back
• Pain that radiates along the nerve (known as traveling pain)
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of reflexes
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities
• Spine stiffness

Treatment

In most cases, a herniated disc can be treated conservatively with pain medication, heat therapy, chiropractics, massage, and exercise over the course of several weeks. In the event that these treatments prove ineffective, contact Laser Spine Institute to learn about our minimally invasive, outpatient endoscopic spine procedures for treating herniated discs. Call today to schedule a consultation, during which you will receive a more involved herniated disc definition and a free review of your MRI or CT scan.