 |
|
Disc Protrusion
A disc protrusion is another name for a
herniated disc.
“Protrusion” is a term usually reserved for significant
disc bulges,
in which the herniation extends past the normal boundaries of the vertebral bones. Most protrusions are not problematic and might even shrink back considerably on their own. However a few cases of protrusion might affect the spinal nerve roots or even impinge on the actual spinal cord itself, enacting painful, although usually temporary symptoms.
Disc Protrusion Condition
A protrusion occurs when the outer disc wall is severely compromised, allowing the interior
nucleus pulposus
to project into a pocket or bubble formed on one side of the disc. This bubble usually does not alter the function or integrity of the overall disc structure, but will place the disc under greater risk for
rupture.
A protrusion in the disc is what is typically blamed for placing pressure on spinal nerve roots or the thecal sac, which surrounds the actual spinal cord. While this does happen in some instances, it is diagnosed far more often than it actually occurs. Just because the herniated disc material touches the thecal sac, does not mean that any significant or even noticeable
spinal stenosis
symptoms will result. Additionally, the common diagnosis of
foraminal stenosis,
due to a herniated disc, is actually quite rare, but is blamed for a huge number of
back pain
complaints every year. It is no wonder that most of these poorly diagnosed conditions do not respond well to even the most appropriate and indicated
herniated disc treatment
modalities.
Disc Protrusion Solution
Many times, disc swelling will subside without any treatment. Often, all the condition requires is some time and home based care to fully heal. Other times, the condition will remain permanently, but will not cause any pain. If pain was produced early in the herniation event, it will usually alleviate within 6 to 8 weeks, even without medical care. Occasionally, verified
herniated disc pain
might become a chronic concern and may require drastic medical treatment. Even less commonly, a herniated disc will cause sudden neurological concerns, such as
cauda equina syndrome,
which typically require immediate surgical intervention.
Disc Protrusion Advice
If you have a protruding disc, join the group! There are hundreds of millions (or more) of us all around the world and that is a very conservative estimate... Herniated discs are not usually the nightmarish tormentor portrayed by the back pain industry. They are quite common and well tolerated by humans, since the birth of our species. The human spine has evolved to improve, not fall apart. Herniated discs do not have a significant place in history as the source of chronic pain. This did not occur until about 60 years ago. Did our species suddenly develop an amazing susceptibility to the current epidemic of back pain? OR… Is dorsopathy just another of the multitude of chronic pain conditions which have been fostered by the medical industry and actually imposed upon patients through the diagnostic
nocebo
effect? You can be the judge…
Disc Protrusion to Herniated Disc Home
1/27/09 Revised 12/2/09
|
|
|
