Herniated Disc Treatment | Hudson, FL

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc occurs when one of the discs located between the vertebrae in the spine gets damaged. These discs act as shock absorbers and keep the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. There are several terms used to describe disc pathology, including herniated disc, bulging disc, and pinched nerve.

Their symptoms are often similar. Medical professionals do not always agree on their definitions, frustrating patients trying to get a medical diagnosis. Adding to the confusion are an unusually wide range of terms also used to describe spinal disc problems, including slipped disc, ruptured disc, torn disc, collapsed disc, disc disease, disc protrusion, and black disc.

The discs become less elastic with age and more vulnerable to injury. As the discs become less elastic, they can rupture due to stress on the body.

When a disc ruptures, a portion of the spinal disc pushes outside its normal boundary. When a disc bulges out, it pinches the spinal nerves that are located very close to the disc. Therefore, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can become compressed causing pain, numbness, weakness and other herniated disc symptoms.

There is normally enough extra space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves. However these structures become compressed if too much of the herniated disc is bulging. When you have a symptomatic herniated disc, it is the not the disc itself that is painful, but the pain caused by the disc pinching the nerve that causes you to feel pain. A herniated disc is also often referred to as a slipped disc.

What Causes Herniated Discs?

Most herniated disc causes are from the gradual age-related wear and tear on the spine, called disc degeneration. Spinal discs lose some of their water content due to age. That makes them more likely to tear or rupture.

Most patients can’t pin down exactly what caused their herniated disc. Some causes include using your back muscle instead of your leg muscles when lifting heavy objects, twisting or turning while lifting, and rarely, a traumatic event such as a blow to the back or a fall.

Disc herniation occurs more frequently in middle-aged and older people, especially those involved in strenuous physical activity. Symptoms of a herniated disc may also be caused by trauma of some sort such as a car accident or lifting something heavy which may require treatment.

Generally common causes of a herniated disc include:

Aging and general degeneration of the intervertebral discs
Trauma related to automobile accidents
Sports injuries
Improper or heavy lifting

A bulging disc is often the beginning stage of a herniated disc.

Signs & Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

A herniated disc is a fairly common condition. As discs degenerate, the inner material in the disc can leak into the spinal canal. This is a condition known as a herniated disc or disc herniation. When the inner material of the herniated disc reaches the spinal canal, the material puts additional pressure on disc is what is referred to as disc herniation or herniated disc.

Herniated Disc Locations

As with many spine conditions, a herniated disc can occur along the spine. However, the most common location is the lumbar region or lower back. This is due to the constant impact this area bears, especially when standing or sitting.

A herniated disc can occur in the:

Cervical spine (neck) – C1 through C7 vertebrae
Thoracic spine (upper back) – T1 through T12 vertebrae
Lumbar spine (lower back) – L1 through L5 vertebrae

The location of the herniated disc will determine the symptoms someone will experience. Most symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness. In some extreme cases, a restricted range of motion can also be experienced. However, these symptoms will vary according to the location.

Lumbar Herniated Disc Symptoms

The lower back is the most common location for herniated discs. Because the lower back serves as a primary shock absorber and supports the upper body, spinal discs in this area tend to wear down faster. Some of the common symptoms associated with lumbar herniated discs include:

Leg pain that radiates along sciatica.
Sharp, radiating, electric, and piercing pain spasms in the legs.
Pain that radiates to the buttocks, thigh, calf, or foot.
Difficulty lifting the foot when standing or walking.
Lower back pain that is described as throbbing or dull, with stiffness.
Pain that worsens with movement or hunching forward.

Thoracic Herniated Disc Symptoms

Although thoracic herniated discs are less common, it often occurs at the mid back. Most thoracic spine conditions are asymptomatic, which is why most people live with a herniated disc in this area without notice. Herniated disc in the thoracic spine can occur in central, lateral, or centre-lateral directions. These are the most common symptoms:

Upper back pain.
Pain that radiates to the chest wall or abdomen.
Radiating pain that reaches the upper back.
Myelopathy or spinal cord dysfunction.

Cervical Herniated Disc Symptoms

Because the space in the cervical spine is limited, even the smallest herniation can impinge on adjacent nerves causing significant pain. Symptoms from a cervical herniated disc are often experienced in the arms, neck, hands, and fingers, as well as sections of the shoulders. Symptoms will also vary according to the nearby vertebrae affected. The most common symptoms include:

Shoulder pain and weakness in the upper arm.
Weakness in the biceps and numbness or tingling that can radiate to the thumb side of the hand.
Numbness, weakness, and tingling along the triceps into the middle finger.
Difficulty or weakness with handgrip and pain that radiates to the little finger side of the hand.

Herniated disc symptoms are often confused with other conditions such as pinched nerves, sciatica, or frequent neck pain. This is why discussing all symptoms with a physician can help those experiencing similar symptoms pin point their condition and discuss possible treatment options.

Get Expert Herniated Disc Treatment in Tampa Bay

The Bonati surgery for a herniated disc is a safe and effective solution to treat lumbar, thoracic and herniated discs in the neck, that have not responded to conservative treatment. Severely herniated discs may not heal on their own and require surgical intervention.

The Bonati Spine Procedures are extremely effective at fixing the problem, resolving the symptoms and returning the patient to normal, pain-free activities within days of surgery. These procedures are performed on an out-patient basis, with the patient under local anesthesia and twilight sedation. These techniques allow our our experienced team of spine surgeons to utilize the patient as a monitor and determine that the surgery has been successful even prior to the patient leaving the surgical room. The patients walk-out on their own, within a couple of hours of their surgery and most are able to return to work within days. These highly effective revolutionary outpatient surgeries are designed to address the problem, fix it and provide immediate relief for the symptoms caused by herniated discs.

The Bonati Spine Procedures may utilize an array of surgical procedures to treat herniated discs. These procedures may include:

Discectomy for a Herniated Disc

A discectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove a portion of the bulged or herniated disc, thereby relieving pressure on the impacted spinal nerves or spinal cord. The Bonati surgery for herniated discs involves a very small incision through which the patented Bonati tube system is inserted to provide the surgeon with direct visualization. Surgical instruments are passed through the tubular system to remove small portions of tissue to provide access to the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve root or spinal cord. The Bonati Discectomy is performed using local anesthesia and Conscious IV Sedation, allowing the patient to be comfortable and responsive during the procedure.

Foraminotomy for a Herniated Disc

A foraminotomy is a decompression surgery performed in order to increases the space of the foramen and hollow out the passageway where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. The procedure involves the removal of bone or tissue that obstructs the neuroforamen and compresses the nerve roots leading to inflammation and radiating pain. The removal of part of the lamina is often necessary for the surgeon to gain access to the affected nerve roots in the neuroforamen or to a herniated disc. For this reason the foraminotomy is often performed in conjunction with a laminectomy or laminotomy.

Laminectomy for a Herniated Disc

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure (decompress) on the spinal cord or spinal nerve roots through the widening of the spinal canal. The procedure is carried out by removing or trimming part of the lamina (roof) of the vertebrae in the affected area. The removal of part of the lamina creates an opening for the compressed nerves, relieving pressure on the nerve roots and reducing inflammation. The partial removal of the lamina also allows the surgeon access to a herniated disc to remove any tissue causing pain and inflammation.

Laminotomy for a Herniated Disc

A laminotomy is a common decompression surgery for spinal stenosis that resembles the laminectomy in its goals and technique. The difference between the laminectomy and the laminotomy is that the laminotomy involves making an opening in the lamina to gain access to the disc, where the laminectomy necessitates the partial removal of the lamina. In either case, the goal is similar, to relieve pressure on the affected area and allow the nerve roots room to heal. Both procedures are often utilized in order to give the surgeon the proper space to perform a foraminotomy or discectomy.

The Bonati Spine Institute encourages patients with a herniated disc to contact us to request a no-obligation MRI review or discuss your conditions with our medical professionals. Find out why The Bonati Spine Procedures are considered to be among the world’s best solutions when it comes to advanced spine surgery. Your pain from disc herniation can become a thing of the past.

Ruptured Disc

A ruptured disc, sometimes referred to as a herniated disc, is a common condition that can result in pain and discomfort.

Intervertebral discs, located between spinal vertebrae, act as small cushions that protect the spinal column as it moves and bends. These discs act as shock absorbers that protect the spine from everyday stress. When a ruptured disc occurs, gel-like material from the nucleus pulposus, located at the core of the vertebral disc is released into the spinal canal, causing the nerves to be compressed. Numbness or tingling may result once the disc starts compressing a spinal nerve.

The spine has 24 moveable bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra is separated by discs, which act as shock absorbers preventing the vertebrae from rubbing together. The outer wall is called the annulus fibrosus. Each disc has a gel-filled center called the nucleus pulposus. At each disc, a pair of spinal nerves exits the spinal cord and branches out to your body, allowing messages or impulses to travel back and forth between your brain and your body.

What is a Ruptured Disc

A ruptured disc occurs when the gel-like center of your disc ruptures out through a tear in the disc wall. This irritates the nerves and causes inflammation and swelling.

A ruptured disc can occur in any part of the spine. The more common are on the lower back (lumbar spine), or in the neck (cervical spine). Ruptures in the thoracic region can occur, though are rarer since the thoracic spine is less mobile. Due to the disc’s displacement, the disc presses on spinal nerves, often producing pain.

Causes of a Ruptured Disc

In many cases, a ruptured disc develops due to wear and tear. A single strain or injury can cause a ruptured disc. However, aging plays a big role. Disc material degenerates naturally as we age, which is why a relatively minor strain or movement can cause a disc to rupture. Genetics, smoking, and a number of occupational and recreational activities lead to early disc degeneration.

A ruptured disc can also arise from spinal stenosis, which is when your spinal canal starts to narrow as part of the natural aging process. This usually occurs in adults 50 and older, leading to pain and other problems. Also, patients with a congenital spinal deformity are prone to a ruptured disc, since their malformation creates pressure on different points throughout the spine that can cause a ruptured disc.

The loss of fluid in your disc may often cause degenerative disc disease, which is the term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. Degenerative disc disease causes your discs to become softer, which can cause a ruptured disc.

Sudden injury, such as those that occur in a car accident, high-impact sports, or a hard fall can also cause a ruptured disc. On the other hand, lack of regular exercise can also cause weakening of the spine, as well as, malnutrition, obesity, and the excessive use of alcohol.

Symptoms of a Ruptured Disc

Symptoms can differ from patient to patient. Usually individuals notice changes when the displaced disc begins to aggravate surrounding components of the body creating nerve pain.

Some of the symptoms many experience are:

Spasms
Muscle tightness
Tingling
Weakness in the affected area
Pain that goes through the shoulders, arms or down the legs

Because some of these symptoms mirror other spine conditions, it is important to get a comprehensive diagnosis.

In some rare cases, a ruptured disc can start compressing the spinal cord itself, in which case can be very dangerous and should be handled as an emergency.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a neurosurgeon based on symptoms, history, physical examination, and imaging studies. After reviewing your medical history, your doctor evaluates your current symptoms and what makes them better or worse. Further examination determines how severe the condition is. The different tests can offer more information on locating the rupture, assess the degree of the rupture, and confirm the diagnosis.

Exams & Tests

After a primary diagnosis has been made, different exams and tests will confirm the diagnosis, including:

X-ray: X-rays of the spine are obtained to find other potential causes of pain like tumors, infections, fractures, etc.
CT scan: A computed tomography scan shows the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents, and the structures around it.
MRI: This test produces a 3-D image of your body structure which shows the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding areas.
Myelogram: A contrast injection into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces shows where there is pressure on the spinal cord or nerves due to a ruptured disc, bone spurs or tumors.

Treatment for a Ruptured Disc

Many patients find relief with conservative non-surgical treatment. However, if your body doesn’t respond to conservative treatment or your symptoms worsen, a surgical intervention may be required.

Non-Surgical Treatment

In most cases, the pain will get better within a couple of days and completely resolve within 4 to 6 weeks. Ice/heat therapy, and taking over the counter medications can help with recovery. Most common non-surgical treatments include:

Prescribed medication
Physical therapy
Holistic therapy
Epidural injections of cortisone
Hot/Cold therapy
Laser therapy
Ultrasound therapy

Surgical Treatment

When symptoms progress rapidly or your body is non-responsive to treatment, surgery may be required. There are a lot of factors to consider before choosing a surgical intervention, such as age, the severity of the problem, other medical problems, and other spine interventions. If surgery is recommended, your doctor may perform any of the following surgical approaches:

Foraminotomy
Laminectomy/Laminotomy
Discectomy
Partial Pediculectomy

Prevention & Self-Care

After the patient has recovered from surgery and with the doctor’s approval, moderate exercise may be resumed. However, prevention and self-care are crucial to keep and enhance your spine health. Consider implementing the following recommendations:

Moderate regular exercise
Use correct lifting and moving techniques
Maintain correct posture
Avoid smoking
Avoid stressful situations
Maintain a healthy weight

Prolapsed Disc

A prolapsed disc is also called a slipped disc. But no matter what you call it, it often causes severe lower back pain.

Bouts of back pain are very common, in fact, 31 million people experience low back pain at any given time. While this back pain is sometimes caused by a minor problem in a muscle, ligament, or other structure in the back, it can also be caused by a prolapsed disc. Twice as many men than women develop a prolapsed or slipped disc and the condition generally arises between the ages of 30 and 50.

When a prolapsed or slipped disc puts pressure on a nerve root, it can cause pain and other symptoms in the extremities innervated by the compressed nerve root. Sometimes, the symptoms resolve in several weeks on their own, but often they linger for more than 6 weeks. If the symptoms persist and become either acute or chronic, surgery may be an option.

Anatomy

The spine consists of many small bones called vertebrae. The spine has 33 vertebrae: 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 fused sacral vertebrae, and 4 often fused coccygeal vertebrae.

Between each of the 24 presacral vertebrae (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) there is an intervertebral disc made up of strong rubber-like material (annulus fibrosus). Each intervertebral disc has a soft, jelly-like interior called the nucleus pulposus surrounded by a strong outer ring of fibrous tissue. The discs cushion the vertebrae and allow the spine to be flexible.

The spine houses the spinal cord, which is composed of the nerves that come from the brain and then branch out between the vertebrae to pass messages to and from the brain to various parts of the body, including the extremities.

Strong ligaments attached to the vertebrae provide extra strength and support to the spine, thus further protecting the spinal cord. In addition, various muscles are also attached to, and surround, the spine.

What Is a Prolapsed Disc?

Although a prolapsed disc is often referred to as a “slipped” disc, this is a misnomer. The disc doesn’t actually slip. What occurs is that the nucleus pulposus – the soft inner center of the disc – pushes or bulges out through a weakness in the fibrous outer part of the disc. This is also often called a herniated disc.

When the prolapsed disc presses on nearby structures of the spine, such as a nerve exiting the spinal cord, it can cause back pain and other symptoms. The sciatic nerve is the most commonly affected nerve. Usually, inflammation develops around the prolapsed disc, which can also cause back pain.

Where Does It Occur?

A disc prolapse can occur in any of the 24 presacral vertebrae in the spine. However, a disc prolapse is most likely to occur in the lumbar spine (lower back). In general, the larger the prolapse, the more severe and painful the symptoms.

Cervical Prolapsed Disc

Although disc prolapse is more common in the lower back, it can occur in the 7 vertebrae of the cervical spine. Levels C4 to C7 of the cervical spine are the most vulnerable to disc prolapse.

Lumbar Prolapsed Disc

Prolapsed lumbar discs are by far the most common. This condition is also sometimes called a ruptured, herniated, or slipped disc. It is most often caused by age-related deterioration in the spine. A prolapsed disc can happen at any age but becomes more likely after the age of 35.

Thoracic Prolapsed Disc

Since the thoracic spine is the least mobile portion of the spine, it is the least common area for a prolapsed disc to occur. The symptoms of a thoracic prolapsed disc vary depending on where the prolapsed disc occurs. The prolapsed disc can impinge on either a nerve, nerve root or on the spinal cord itself. It can herniate in a central, lateral, or centro-lateral direction.

Causes of a Prolapsed Disc

Many things can trigger the nucleus pulposus to prolapse out through a weakness in the outer fibrous ring of a disc. Awkward bending, poor mechanics when lifting heavy items, or even sneezing may be enough to cause a disc prolapse in people who have a weakness in a disc.

Risk factors for developing a prolapsed disc include:

Trauma that causes the vertebra to fracture
A job that requires lots of lifting
A job that requires a lot of sitting
Weight-bearing sports or exercise
Obesity
Smoking
Weight-bearing sports or exercise
Weakness in the spine due to normal aging

Symptoms of a Prolapsed Disc

The symptoms of a prolapsed disc are generally specific to the area of the spine in which the prolapse has occurred. Although the symptoms may not include neck or back pain in some patients, such pain is common. The main symptoms are listed below.

Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the extremities
Pain in the buttocks or behind the shoulder blades
Pain radiating down one or both arms or legs
Weakness involving one or both arms or legs

Symptoms in severe cases may include loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the genital area, and impotence.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Although rare, cauda equina syndrome is a serious nerve root problem that can be caused by a prolapsed disc. The nerves at the very bottom of the spinal cord become compressed. In addition to low back pain, the condition causes:

Bowel and bladder control problems and function (inability to pass urine).
Numbness in the saddle area around the back passage (anus).
Weakness in one or both legs.

This syndrome is considered an emergency and requires urgent treatment to avoid permanent damage to the nerves in the bowel and bladder. If you develop these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis

Your physician will begin with an assessment of your physical condition and review of your medical history. In some cases, no tests are needed and the symptoms will disappear in a few weeks. However, imaging tests such as x-rays, CT-scans, or MRIs might be required if your symptoms persist or are severe. These imaging studies can show the level of the spine where the disc is prolapsed and will be needed if your doctor recommends surgery.