Is a disc protrusion serious?

Many cases of protruding discs heal naturally with rest and conservative measures. However, disc protrusions that continue to degenerate and press on the spinal cord or nerve roots cause significant pain, weakness, numbness and loss of movement that may require surgery to treat.

Is disc protrusion worse than herniated disc?

Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it generally protrudes farther and is more likely to irritate nerve roots. The irritation can be from compression of the nerve or, much more commonly, the herniation causes a painful inflammation of the nerve root.

What is the difference between a disc bulge and disc protrusion?

The nucleus presses against the annulus, causing the disc to bulge or prolapse outward. The bulged disc material is still contained within the annulus. But in some cases, the nucleus pushes completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc. This is called a disc herniation or protrusion.

How do you treat a disc protrusion?

Lumbar herniated disc treatments

1. Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root.
2. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief.
3. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation)
4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.

What causes disc protrusion?

The most common cause of disc protrusion is wear and tear over time. As we age, spinal discs become drier, less flexible, compressed, and more prone to tears and injuries. The supportive ligaments begin to loosen and weaken, causing the disc to bulge outward as the nucleus material presses against the outer ring.

Can a disc protrusion heal itself?

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.

Will disc protrusion heal itself?

Is disc protrusion common?

What Is Disc Protrusion? Disc protrusion is a relatively common form of spinal deterioration and is often associated with age related wear and tear conditions in the spinal region; although injury and other trauma can also cause damage to the discs.

What is disc protrusion?

Disc protrusion (also called a bulging disc) is a common back injury that affects intervertebral discs in the spinal column. Intervertebral discs separate vertebrae and provide cushioning, support, movement, and shock absorption in the spine. They’re made up of a tough outer ring enclosing a soft, jelly-like nucleus.

What is the treatment for a protruding disc?

Heat therapy increases circulation and soothes sore muscles. Ice therapy helps to reduce swelling and inflammation as well as pain. Your physical therapist or physician can recommend the best rotation of these therapies for your bulging disc.

What are the symptoms of a disc protrusion?

Neck pain, headaches and pain in the face, shoulders, arms and hands may be created when the disc protrusion or “Slipped Disc” presses on the neck nerves. As compression increases this may cause numbness or ‘pins & needles’ in the face, shoulder, arm or hand and may also be associated with weakness of shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand movements.

What are causes of disc protrusion?

Aging of the spine.

What is treatment for disc protrusion?

Treatments vary widely for disc protrusion or protrusion also labeled herniated disc. Most are treated medically with pain management. These treatments can include chiropractic, physical therapy, surgery and/or pain drugs.