Are you wondering what a disc extrusion is and how it is treated? No, it is not a disease or an injury.
A disc extrusion refers to damage in the vertebrae, usually in your neck, and the shoving of one bone layer against another. This can occur due to a car accident, trauma, or even repetitive vigorous motion, such as weightlifting.
Fortunately, there are many options available to treat a disc extrusion. Check out this guide to learn more, about how it occurs, and how it can be treated.
Causes of Disc Extrusion
The condition is caused by the displacement of the disc that takes place between the vertebrae of the spinal column. It occurs when the innermost layer of disc material is forced out of the outer fibrous rings of the disc. This makes the disc thicker and stiffer, affecting mobility and causing immense discomfort and pain.
Disc extrusion can be due to:
- age
- injury
- poor posture
- obesity
- unhealthy lifestyle choices
Symptoms of Bone Disc Extrusion
Symptoms may include extensive pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. People suffering from this sy[toms may also experience tingling or a burning sensation along the same nerve path. They may also experience decreased flexibility or difficulty engaging in previously routine activities.
Diagnosis and imaging tests, such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans can be used to identify disc extrusion.
Conservative Treatments
Conservative treatments are typically recommended to treat disc extrusion. These treatments may include
- physical therapy
- hot and cold therapy
- meditation
- massage
- acupuncture
Chiropractic adjustments are a key component of treatment for disc extrusion. This helps with pain management and allows for increased mobility and better overall health. If you are interested in this option you may see this chiropractor in Mississauga, ON, if you are around this area.
Additionally, medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended such as a weight loss plan, exercise routine, proper posture, smoking cessation, and stress reduction techniques.
Surgical Interventions
In more severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to remove, reduce, or otherwise treat a disc extrusion. Surgical interventions may include discectomy, where a portion of the disc is removed to relieve pressure on nerves.
Fusion may also be done, where adjacent vertebrae are connected to support the spine. A corpectomy is only an option, where a section of the vertebrae is removed. The choice of intervention is based on the severity of the extrusion and the patient’s overall health.
Living a Healthy and Happy Life Pain Free
Disc extrusion is a debilitating condition that can cause pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected areas. For diagnoses and treatment, a physician must order an MRI scan and utilize both physical therapy and medications. In some cases, surgery is a necessary pain treatment.
If you believe you may be suffering from disc extrusion, consider talking to your doctor to start on the path to a pain-free life.
If you need more tips and guides like these, be sure to check out the other articles on our blog.
