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EDISCSCULPTBulging discs are among the most common injuries to the spine. While bulging discs themselves are common, some patients have severe symptoms that can hinder quality of life and ability to work. For these patients, timely and effective treatment is key.
Fortunately, bulging discs are very treatable. Symptoms can often be relieved using non-surgical procedures. Surgery can also be used to cure bulging discs by actually removing the part of the disc that is causing pain.
Signs and Symptoms
The intervertebral discs consist of two main parts: a gel-like inner nucleus pulposus, and a tough outer annulus fibrosis. There are two major types of disc injuries: herniated disc, and bulging disc. A herniated disc occurs when the annulus fibrosis ruptures and the nucleus pulposus protrudes out of the disc. A bulging disc occurs when the annulus fibrosis extends further out than it normally would, but is still intact and holds in the nucleus pulposus. This is a sort of "flattening" effect in which the disc become too wide for the vertebrae that holds it. In some cases, this causes the disc to press against the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Bulging discs are usually relatively minor as compared to other spine conditions. They often occur as a result of aging, and many people with a bulging disc do not know they have one. However, some people experience uncomfortable symptoms. These include:
Treatments
If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, there are several paths treatment may take. The first option is always non-surgical treatment. This includes rest, chiropractry, physical therapy, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections.
A large majority of patients find that their symptoms resolve within 1 to 6 months with the use of these treatments. However, some patients continue to have symptoms even after several conservative treatments are used. In this case, surgery may be indicated. Surgery is an especially strong option in cases where neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness and numbness present, or when pain is very severe.
There are two options when considering surgery: traditional open back surgery, and laser back surgery. While both procedures are effective at treating bulging discs, open back surgery is very invasive and has a lengthy recovery period, because physicians must create a large wound to access the spine. After opening the back, surgeons use tools to remove the excess tissue.
Laser surgery, on the other hand, allows surgeons to treat bulging discs in a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. With the help of endoscopic cameras, the physician uses a laser to dissolve the portion of the disc that is pressing against the nerves. This generally relieves symptoms while the operation is being performed. This procedure has several benefits for patients who need surgery:
Fortunately, bulging discs are very treatable. Symptoms can often be relieved using non-surgical procedures. Surgery can also be used to cure bulging discs by actually removing the part of the disc that is causing pain.
Signs and Symptoms
The intervertebral discs consist of two main parts: a gel-like inner nucleus pulposus, and a tough outer annulus fibrosis. There are two major types of disc injuries: herniated disc, and bulging disc. A herniated disc occurs when the annulus fibrosis ruptures and the nucleus pulposus protrudes out of the disc. A bulging disc occurs when the annulus fibrosis extends further out than it normally would, but is still intact and holds in the nucleus pulposus. This is a sort of "flattening" effect in which the disc become too wide for the vertebrae that holds it. In some cases, this causes the disc to press against the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Bulging discs are usually relatively minor as compared to other spine conditions. They often occur as a result of aging, and many people with a bulging disc do not know they have one. However, some people experience uncomfortable symptoms. These include:
- Pain that radiates down a leg or arm
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs
- Back pain
Treatments
If you have been diagnosed with a bulging disc, there are several paths treatment may take. The first option is always non-surgical treatment. This includes rest, chiropractry, physical therapy, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections.
A large majority of patients find that their symptoms resolve within 1 to 6 months with the use of these treatments. However, some patients continue to have symptoms even after several conservative treatments are used. In this case, surgery may be indicated. Surgery is an especially strong option in cases where neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness and numbness present, or when pain is very severe.
There are two options when considering surgery: traditional open back surgery, and laser back surgery. While both procedures are effective at treating bulging discs, open back surgery is very invasive and has a lengthy recovery period, because physicians must create a large wound to access the spine. After opening the back, surgeons use tools to remove the excess tissue.
Laser surgery, on the other hand, allows surgeons to treat bulging discs in a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. With the help of endoscopic cameras, the physician uses a laser to dissolve the portion of the disc that is pressing against the nerves. This generally relieves symptoms while the operation is being performed. This procedure has several benefits for patients who need surgery:
- Ability to return home the same day
- Ability to be relatively active immediately after the surgery
- Lower chance of infection
- Less pain during recovery
- Less time away from work
Non-surgical treatments work to relieve the symptoms of a bulging disc by reducing inflammation and lowering the load borne by the affected disc. On the other hand, surgery actually cures the bulging disc by removing the portion of the disc causing symptoms.
Only a doctor can tell you what course of treatment is best for your bulging disc. To schedule a consultation with a leading laser spine surgeon, please call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at 212-420-0312.
info@dattaendoscopic.com