This Blog Features…
- Disc extrusion occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc tears, causing the inner disc material to seep into the spinal canal.
- Symptoms of a disc extrusion may vary depending on the location, severity and nature of the extruded disc.
- The pain management specialists at The Pain Center of Arizona discuss what the causes, symptoms and treatments are for a disc extrusion.
Causes
A disc extrusion, also known as a disc herniation, usually occurs from degeneration due to a disease like osteoarthritis or the natural aging process. Other causes may include injury, trauma, overexertion, illness or obesity. Given the circumstances, disc extrusions are largely unpreventable and may heal on their own without surgery.
Symptoms
In most cases, a extruded disc will cause referred pain. Meaning, pain that is felt in an area other then where it the disc extrusion was caused. Symptoms of disc extrusion generally include:
- Pain in the lower pain, buttocks, groin or thighs
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness in the lower extremities
Treatment
For minor cases of disc extrusion, surgery may not be necessary. Many extruded discs heal on their own. Nevertheless, treatment for pain that often accompanies disc extrusion may be necessary for some patients. Treatments usually include pain medication, steroid injections, nerve blocks and more. If the extruded disc progresses into a severely damaged or herniated disc, patients may want to consider minimally invasive spine surgery.
Talk to your pain management physician at The Pain Center of Arizona about treatment for disc extrusion.
