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Sequestered Disc
Sequestered Spinal Disc DiagnosisA sequestered condition can only be accurately diagnosed with advanced imaging techniques, such as an MRI or CT scan. X-rays will not be useful, since they do not clearly show soft tissues, such as intervertebral discs. Sequestered conditions typically do not present any worse symptoms than bulges or one piece extrusions, and in many cases, a sequestering event might actually help to relieve symptoms due to a pinched nerve or chemical radiculitis. Remember, as the piece of separated disc material migrates, it might move away from nerve tissue and take pressure of any spinal structures currently being impinged upon…Sequestered Intervertebral Disc TreatmentSeparated disc fragments generally do not enact foraminal stenosis on their own, since there is no force applied to these pieces from the disc structure. These pieces might be implicated in causing chemical radiculitis in some patients, although this remains a very controversial diagnostic theory. Generally, sequestered discs do not qualify for any form of treatment which might be more effective at dealing with a contained disc herniation, such as IDET, nucleoplasty and even most forms of non-surgical spinal decompression. Symptomatic modalities are used in the same applications as for bulging discs, but are typically provided for pain relief, rather than curative potential.Sequestered Disc AdviceHaving a piece of a disc broken off and floating around the spinal column sounds bad and might be problematic in some instances. However, many sequestered conditions are no more symptomatic than any other type of herniated disc. Remember that all disc issues typically follow this simple rule… Herniated discs due to normal spinal degeneration are less likely to be symptomatic and many exist completely unbeknownst to the affected individual. Herniations due to traumatic injury are likely to be painful for a time of 6 to 8 weeks, on average, but should resolve completely or near completely and are not likely to create chronic back pain syndromes. If your pain has endured for months or years, despite treatment, there is a good chance that your sequestered intervertebral disc is nothing more than a scapegoat, being blamed for pain when all the while it is coincidental and innocent to the symptomatic expression.Sequestered Disc to Herniated Disc Home
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