Disc problems
Overview | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ
Overview
The shock-absorbing discs that separate the bones in the spine are
probably the most common reason for spine surgery. The disc is much
like a jelly doughnut, in that there is an outside wall to the disc
and a soft center. The “jelly” is the inner spongy portion
of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus. Encircling the jelly nucleus
are hard bands of fibrous tissue called the annulus fibrosis, or
disc wall.
[top]
Causes
With age, the disc can become more brittle and susceptible to herniation
or rupture. Years of strain, and poor body lifting form, can take
a toll. One day, a sudden stress from lifting can cause this weakened
disc to rupture, allowing the jelly center to squirt out of the disc
space. This jelly contains chemicals which are extremely irritating
to the nerves, which can also cause swelling.
[top]
Symptoms
Because the nerve roots act as telegraph lines to other parts of the
body, a common complication of disc herniation is that it can cause
pain that is felt in other parts of the body, like the leg. In fact,
leg pain below the knee is a common herniated disc symptom. This
radiating pain is called radicular pain or radiculopathy.
[top]
Diagnosis
Your physician will request diagnostic testing to help determine the
best treatment plan.
 X-rays - X-rays are usually the first step in diagnostic testing
methods. X-rays show bones and the spaces between the bones.MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a magnetic field
and radio waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the inside
of your body. Because X-rays only show bones, MRIs are needed to
see soft tissues like spinal discs. These images help your doctor
provide a more accurate diagnosis. MRIs are very safe and usually
pain-free.
CT scan/myelogram - A CT scan is similar to an MRI
because it provides additional diagnostic information about the internal
structures of the spine. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging
disc, tumor or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or
nerves. A local anesthetic is injected into your low back to numb
the area. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is then performed. A dye
is injected into the spinal canal to reveal where problems lie.
Electrodiagnostic - Electrical testing of the nerves
and spinal cord may be performed as part of our diagnostic workups.
These tests, called Electromyography (EMG) or Somato Sensory Evoked
Potentials (SSEP), assist your physician in understanding how your
nerves or spinal cord are affected by your condition.Bone scan - Bone imaging is used to detect infection,
malignancy, fractures and arthritis in any area of the body. Bone
scans are also used to find lesions for biopsy or excision. Click
here to learn more about bone scans.
Discography - Discography is used to determine the
internal structure of your disc. It is performed with a local anesthetic
by injecting dye into the disc under X-ray guidance. An X-ray or
CT scan is performed to determine if the disc’s structure is
normal or abnormal and if the injection causes pain. A benefit of
a discogram is that it enables the spine surgeon to determine the
disc level that is causing pain. This ensures that surgery will be
more successful by reducing the risk of operating on the wrong disc.
Injections - Pain-relieving injections can act as
a bridge to physical therapy by relieving back pain and providing
the physician with important information about your problem.
[top]
 Treatment
Unlike muscles which can heal somewhat quickly, a torn or degenerated
disc heals more slowly. The good news is that in many cases, the
pain and inflammation originating from damaged discs can be treated
nonsurgically by reducing the inflammation and by strengthening the
musculature surrounding the damaged disc to give it more support.
[top]
FAQs
What is degenerative disc disease?
A natural byproduct of aging is the loss of resiliency in spinal
discs and a greater tendency for them to herniate, especially when
placed under a weighty load, like when we lift heavy objects. Additionally,
some people have a family history of degenerative disc disease, which
increases their own risk of developing it. When a natural disc herniates
or becomes badly degenerated, it loses its shock-absorbing ability,
which can narrow the space between vertebrae.
 Who is a candidate for the artificial
disc?
Patients with a diseased disc between L4 and L5 or between L5 and S1
(all in the lower back) that is worn out or become injured and causes
back pain are candidates for the artificial disc. Other candidates
include those with degenerative disc disease (DDD) whose bones (vertebrae)
have moved less than 3mm. Your physician will help you determine whether
or not the artificial disc is a good choice for you. Factors that will
be considered include your activity level, weight, occupation and allergies.
What are the benefits of the artificial
disc?
Generally speaking, those who receive artificial disc replacements
return to activity sooner than traditional fusion patients. Also, because
there is no need to harvest bone from the patient’s hip, there
is no discomfort or recovery associated with a second incision site.
Some of the overall benefits of artificial disc surgery include:
- Retains movement and stability of the spine
- Prevents degeneration of surrounding segments
- No bone graft required
- Quicker recovery and return to work
- Less invasive and painful than a fusion
- Reduces pain associated with disc disease
What are the cons of the artificial disc?
When treating knee and hip replacement patients, orthopedic surgeons
try to postpone the implantation of an artificial joint until a patient
is at least 50 years old so that they do not outlive their artificial
joint, which typically lasts anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Revision
surgery, which may be necessary to replace a worn-out artificial
joint, can be complex.
This is also a concern with the artificial disc. Unlike
knee and hip replacement patients who are typically in their 50s or
60s, many patients can benefit from artificial disc technology at a
much younger age — in their 20s or 30s. Therefore, the implantation
of an artificial disc in younger patients can raise a surgeon’s
concern about the potential life span of the artificial disc in the
spine and the need for revision surgery to replace a worn-out artificial
disc, which can be complex.
Lumbar vs. Cervical Artificial Disc
Because of the weight of the body and the rotational stress that the trunk places on discs in the low back (lumbar) area, more stress is placed on artificial discs in the lumbar area than in the neck (cervical) area, which only supports the weight of the head.
Due to the fact that the surgeon must access the front of the spine, an incision is made in the abdomen for lumbar discs and in the front of the neck for cervical discs. Typically, access to the cervical discs can be easier than the lumbar discs.
What caused my disc to herniate?
Herniated discs can occur as a result of a heavy strain or fall, which
causes the nucleus to break through the wall of the disc and place
pressure on the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. For
example, lifting a heavy object after sitting down for a long period
of time can cause a disc to herniate.
What is the best way to treat a
herniated disc?
Nonsurgical treatment methods are always the best option to try first.
This will most likely involve working with a physical therapist who
will develop a customized exercise program involving specific stretches
and extension movements for you.
[top]
Quick navigation links:
About University Orthopedics in Rhode Island | Spine | Sports Medicine | Joint Replacement | Hand & Wrist | Shoulder & Elbow | Pediatric Orthopedics | Foot & Ankle | Trauma & Fracture | Physician Bios | What Hurts? | Treatment | Education | Patient Center | Contact Information for Orthopedic Specialty Offices | Driving directions to offices in: Newport | Providence (Butler Drive) | Providence (Dudley St.) | East Greenwich
Disclaimer:
Where pictures of patients are displayed, the patients of University Orthopedics have consented to have their picture in this website for the purpose of patient education.
|
