The spine is made up of small vertebral bones separated by intervertebral discs. When these discs are injured, they can swell or rupture, causing a bulging, herniated, or extruded disc. Symptoms include pain and weakness, and treatment may include rest, pain relief, and exercises. Severe cases may require surgery.
The spine is a series of small vertebral bones that surround the spinal cord tissue. Each vertebra is separated from its neighbor by a jelly-like cushion called an intervertebral disc. These discs can be thought of as shock absorbers that prevent contact between the vertebrae. When these discs are injured, whether through trauma, age, or disease of the disc, they can swell or even rupture. When the gel-like substance inside the disc leaks beyond the boundaries of the disc, it is referred to as a ruptured or extruded disc.
The least serious form of disc abnormality is a bulging disc, which is simply a disc that has expanded in circumference or is pushing against the walls of the disc. It does not shed disc material, but it can push against the spine and surrounding nerves. A herniated disc is where the disc material forms a bulge, but does not break the disc boundaries. The most severe form of warped disc is the extruded disc. A jelly-like fluid oozes from the ruptured disc and can press against the spine and surrounding tissue, flattening the disc. This flattening means that the vertebral bones can rub against each other.
Most extruded discs occur in the lower or lumbar spine. Less likely is a rupture of the cervical spine or neck. It rarely occurs in the upper back. Symptoms of this condition include grating the bones of the spine; neck, back, or leg pain; and weakness or numbness in the extremities. Often the symptoms will indicate an extruded disc without the need for further testing. If the extrusion isn’t pressing against any nerves, there may be few symptoms, and your doctor may request an MRI or CT scan for a definitive diagnosis.
In most cases, an extruded disc will heal within a few weeks with little to no treatment. Avoid strenuous activities and lifting. Heating pads, ice packs, and pain relievers can help with the pain. Bed rest for more than a few days is not recommended, as the back muscles can atrophy and not provide the support the spine needs. Your doctor will likely recommend some light back exercises to strengthen the muscles along your back and maintain flexibility.
Very severe cases of disc extrusion may require surgical repair. This typically requires removal of disc material to reduce pressure on surrounding tissue. Unfortunately, those suffering from an extruded disc will be more prone to future disc and back problems.
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