What is a Prolapsed Disc?
A prolapsed disc is a condition that is synonymous with a ruptured disc, herniated disc, and a slipped disc. Additionally, each of these conditions are referring to a tear in the spine that nucleic pulposus leaks through and into the spinal column causing a compression against the nerves and pain through the spine and extremities.
While this condition can occur within any part of the spine, it is most commonly found in the lumbar vertebrae of the lower back. This is not surprising given the fact that the lower back and its vertebrae bear a large amount of the body’s weight simultaneously controlling stress producing movements on the spine over time.
If there is any concern about suffering from a prolapsed disc, you should contact your medical provider right away and get a proper diagnosis. After that they can discuss proper treatment options and answer any questions you may have. In severe cases they will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss the possibility of a minimally invasive operation to alleviate the pain from the prolapsed disc.
Common Prolapsed Disc Causes
Like most degenerative spine conditions, a prolapsed disc is also life’s collateral- live responsibly. This condition is associated with the wear and tear on the spine is a part of the natural aging process. The discs of the spine contain a water content that slowly diminishes throughout life.
Deteriorating at an imperceivable rate, the disc becomes dehydrated and a result it loses its flexibility and becomes less durable, brittle even. When this happens the disc is unable to hold up to normal pressures exerted by vertebrae sitting above and below the affected disc. Due to this pressure, small cracks can form in the annulus fibrosus or the discs outer wall releasing the nucleus pulposus leading to a prolapsed disc.
Prolapsed Disc Symptoms
In some cases, this condition is asymptomatic, or without symptoms, and goes unnoticed because it is not yet hindering daily life. When the condition worsens the extruded disc material will irritate the nerves in the wall of the disc or hurt an adjacent nerve root or the spinal cord. The spine consists of 62 nerve roots spanning from the neck to the tailbone.
Depending on the severity and location of the prolapsed disc, any number of these nerve roots can be impacted and cause the following symptoms:
- Tingling and numbness in the extremities
- Localized discomfort or radiating pain
- Stiffness
- Muscle weakness
Prolapsed Disc Regions
There are three different regions of the spine that can be impacted by a prolapsed disc: the cervical (neck), the thoracic (center/core), as well as the lumbar (lower).
The Cervical (Neck) Region
Prolapsed discs in the cervical region affect the upper spine and can actually cause migraines and headaches. The other areas of the body it affects are: shoulders, upper back, deltoids and triceps, biceps and forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers.
The Thoracic (Core) Region
Prolapsed discs in the thoracic area affect the nerve roots responsible for sending signals to the upper back, torso, chest, and ribs. These vertebrae are especially rigid and are not as susceptible to prolapsed discs as the lumbar or cervical regions, however, prolapsed discs in this region cause serious symptoms that interact with major organs (lungs, heart, kidneys and the gastrointestinal) and should be taken very seriously. A prompt diagnosis is key to combat the symptoms of a prolapsed disc in this region.Additionally, chest pain, loss of coordination, and abdominal pain are to be expected.
The Lumbar (Lower) Region
Lastly, a prolapsed disc in the lower back or lumbar region, arguably most common, produces specific symptoms that interfere with the functions of the legs and their extremities. These discs are highly flexible which is actually what causes them to be more vulnerable to serious deterioration over a patient’s lifetime.
Prolapsed Disc Treatment Options
As is typical of spinal injuries, the severity of the injury and location of the injury dictates the treatment routes taken. In some instances a medical provider can just prescribe some medication to help with inflammation, or physical therapy to help adjust the back.
In more extreme or severe circumstances, spinal surgery is required. While surgery can be frightening, the operation is minimally invasive and is performed by a spine surgeon. While surgery is usually considered a last resort, after weeks of discomfort, it is a very effective in terms of relieving patient pain and discomfort.
Nonsurgical Treatments
When pain is not considered debilitating a medical provider may consider a series of corticosteroid injections which can be painful, but help to reduce inflammation, pain, and grants relief for a few weeks or in some cases a month. Some other methods of treatment are: low-impact exercises, limited periods of rest, and stretching; some patient’s use alternative options like acupuncture, chiropractic care or massages.
Surgery for a Prolapsed Disc
On the chance that the prolapsed disc does not respond to other treatments, an orthopedic surgeon can perform a minimally invasive operation to drastically relieve pain. This is done by removing the disc material that is pressuring the nerve in the spinal column and dramatically reduces a patient’s level of pain and discomfort. Some have even reported results and noticeable pain relief in the first week of their recovery.
