Extruded Discs
HOME / PAIN CONDITIONS / Extruded Discs
Disc extrusion is an extremely painful condition.
If you suffer from extruded discs, you have probably experienced severe, even debilitating pain. Disc extrusion occurs when our everyday activities place undue strain and stress on the spine, causing deterioration and less-hydrated intervertebral discs. When the intervertebral discs undergo significant wear and tear or an injury, they can suffer a tear in the wall which allows the liquid inside to leak into the spine. This leakage presses on nearby nerves, and disrupts the stability of the spine.
Causes and Symptoms of Disc Extrusion
There are a number of causes of disc extrusion, including the following:
- Any sudden injury
- A trauma from a fall
- An accident resulting from a high-impact sport
- An auto accident
- Repetitive movements
- Strenuous movements
- Improper lifting of heavy objects
- Smoking and malnutrition can exacerbate disc extrusion, as can lack of exercise and excess weight
- A sudden blow to the back
- Twisting of the back
- Genetic predisposition
- Congenital complications
The symptoms associated with Disc Extrusion include:
- A sharp, sudden pain
- Tingling or burning sensation
- Pins-and-needles sensation
- Numbness
- Acute pain and/or chronic pain which radiates from the compressed nerve
- Muscle weakness
- Stiffness
- Neck, arm or leg pain
- An inability to perform everyday activities
Diagnosing Disc Extrusion
A physical exam will help determine whether disc extrusion is your problem, including a check of your reflexes, muscle strength, ability to walk, and the ability to feel light touches or pinpricks. X-rays or a CT scan may be taken to rule out other causes of back pain, including a broken bone, poor spinal alignment, a tumor or infection. An MRI could be used to determine which nerves are affected, and to confirm the location of the herniated disc. A myelogram test—where dye is injected into the spinal fluid—may also be used. This test can show pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Treatment of Extruded Discs
You do not have to live with your pain for the remainder of your life; our Seattle Pain specialists will work hard to ensure safe, effective relief for your pain. Seattle Pain’s state-of-the-art care, and personalized attention ensure the best traditional and non-traditional treatments for your Extruded Disc. Depending on your individual circumstances, we may recommend one or more of the following:
- Localized cortisone injections to provide pain relief for longer amounts of time
Is your extruded disc causing you to miss out on life?
Contact Our Seattle Interventional Pain Management Specialists
We understand that an extruded disc can be extremely painful. At Seattle Pain, our primary goal is to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. We believe in treating the whole patient – and not just the injury. You do not have to live in pain. Call us today.
Schedule An Appointment
- Recommedned Treatments:
