Herniated Disc:
Spinal discs are pad cushions that lie between the spine bones or “vertebral bodies”. They consist of an outer ring or annulus, surrounding a soft, jelly-like center called the nucleus. As the spine ages or becomes damaged by injury or disease, the outer annulus may weaken and develop cracks, fissures and tears. The nucleus loses part of its water content and becomes more brittle, prone to injury, and less of a shock absorber. These weak places in the annulus allow part of the nucleus to punch through or herniate into the spinal canal where it can put pressure on nerves causing arm or leg pain. The diagnosis of herniated disc may be suspected from the history and physical examination, and confirmed by special x-ray tests including MRI and CT scans.Fortunately, most patients who develop herniated discs respond to conservative therapy with moderate rest, simple medications, spinal injections, or physical therapy as the body heals itself over time. Symptoms resolve within 6 weeks in 50% of patients, with 90% experiencing improvement within 6 months. Recurrences are common over time, and may eventually require more aggressive management.
These exciting new techniques use laser light energy and endoscopy or “keyhole” surgical techniques to internally shrink a herniated disc, or remove even large displaced or trapped disc fragments to relieve spinal pain and nerve root compression without undergoing open spinal surgery. These procedures are cost effective compared to open spinal surgery and relieve persistent pain in up to 95% of patients with symptomatic lumbar and cervical disc herniations. Laser disc decompression and endoscopic microdiscectomy are both FDA approved and covered by most insurance plans. For the first time, most patients with herniated discs will be able to be treated by one of these methods and avoid open spinal surgery altogether.
Sideways or “sagittal” MRI image of large herniations of the bottom two discs (L4-5, and L5-S1) in this 35 year old woman with severe back pain and sciatica. The four discs above these levels are normal. (Courtesy of Dr. Daniel S. J. Choy)
Before Laser Disc Decompression
After Laser Disc Decompression
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright© Foothills Pain and Anesthesia
Site Design and Hosting