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Herniated Disk
A herniated disk is another common spelling of the word
herniated disc.
Many patients are confused by the plethora of terms, names and spellings associated with this very common spinal condition. Even more confusing is the wide range of diagnostic opinions, prognoses and treatment options offered to affected individuals with an
intervertebral disc
concern.Herniated Disk Terminology* Slipped Disc or Slipped Disk * Prolapsed Disc or Prolapsed Disk * Disc Protrusion or Disk Protrusion * Bulging Disc or Bulging Disk * Collapsed Disc or Collapsed Disk * Bulging Disc or Bulging Disk * Ruptured Disc or Ruptured Disk * Extruded Disc or Extruded Disk * Sequestered Disc or Sequestered Disk Some of these names are used to describe specific types of herniations by some care providers, while other doctors might use many of the terms interchangeably. It is no surprise that patients and doctors alike differ greatly in their opinions about disc conditions. Most can not even agree on the correct name for the diagnosis... Herniated Disk / A Rose by Any Other Name…Regardless of what it is called, a herniated disc is perhaps the most common spinal abnormality. It is so common in fact, that one might argue if it is even abnormal at all to have a prolapsed disc in one’s spine. Herniations are part of the normal life cycle for many lumbar and cervical spinal discs. While some herniations can cause nerve root compression due to foraminal stenosis or even directly affect the spinal cord, most are completely innocent and asymptomatic natural occurrences in the spinal column.Herniated Disk / The Bottom LineBeing confused by a herniated disc diagnosis is very common. Many patients do not understand the differences between the medical terms used to describe their intervertebral disc conditions and do not receive adequate information from their doctors. I am always shocked how many patients write to me with their MRI results asking me simply to interpret the report for them IN PLAIN ENGLISH…Doctors should be responsible for providing every patient with a diagnosis and prognosis they can understand. Care providers have definitely dropped the ball when it comes to explaining the exact nature of many disc conditions. Worse yet, many doctors actually take advantage of a patient’s lack of understanding to impart a considerable nocebo effect by over dramatizing the potential effects and duration of the symptoms. This is why it pays to be an informed and knowledgeable patient. You should be responsible for understanding your own body and if your doctor does not do a good job explaining your condition to you, then ASK QUESTIONS. If the doctor can not answer your questions in a manner which makes sense to you, then it is time to find a NEW DOCTOR… 10/12/09 Revised 12/2/09
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