Herniated Disc Treatment in Hernando Beach, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its tougher exterior. This condition can affect any part of the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and the neck (cervical spine). According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, approximately 90% of herniated discs occur in the lower back. This condition can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs, significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary widely depending on the location and severity of the herniation. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: This can range from a mild ache to severe, debilitating pain. If the herniated disc is in the lower back, you may feel intense pain in your buttocks, thighs, and calves. For a herniated disc in the neck, pain may radiate to your shoulder and arm.
- Numbness or Tingling: People with a herniated disc often experience numbness or tingling in the body part served by the affected nerves.
- Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken, leading to difficulties in lifting or holding items.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both conditions involve issues with the spinal discs, they are distinct in their nature and implications. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes out of its normal space but remains intact. It’s often likened to a hamburger patty pressing out of a bun. In contrast, a herniated disc involves a tear in the disc’s outer layer, allowing the inner gel-like substance to leak out. This leakage can irritate nearby nerves, causing more severe symptoms than a bulging disc.
How Do You Test to See If You Have a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Several diagnostic methods are employed to confirm the presence of a herniated or bulging disc:
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam to check for pain, muscle strength, and reflexes.
- Imaging Tests:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the most common and effective method for visualizing soft tissues, including discs.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Often used when MRI is not an option, providing detailed cross-sectional images of the spine.
- X-Rays: While not useful for detecting herniated discs, X-rays can rule out other causes of back pain.
- Nerve Tests:
- Electromyography (EMG): Measures the electrical activity of muscles to determine if nerve compression is present.
- Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests measure the speed and strength of electrical signals in the nerves.
How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Treatment options for herniated and bulging discs vary based on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health. Here are some common treatments and their benefits:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that exacerbate symptoms can provide initial relief.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Medications:
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
- Muscle Relaxants: These can reduce muscle spasms.
- Corticosteroids: Oral or injected steroids can reduce inflammation.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Alternating between heat and cold packs can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver steroids directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like microdiscectomy can remove the herniated portion of the disc with minimal tissue damage.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove or repair the herniated disc.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment designed to repair damaged discs using a biologic material called fibrin. Unlike traditional surgical methods, which often involve removing part of the disc, the Discseel procedure focuses on healing and regenerating the disc itself. This method is particularly beneficial for patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments.
During the Discseel procedure, a fibrin sealant is injected into the damaged disc under fluoroscopic guidance. The fibrin acts as a scaffold, promoting the natural healing process and encouraging the regeneration of disc tissue. This innovative approach not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying cause of the herniation, providing long-term relief and improved spinal health.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail, a phenomenon known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Patients undergoing repeated back surgeries face an even higher risk of failure, with only 30% of second surgeries being successful. In contrast, the Discseel procedure offers several advantages:
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves small injections rather than large surgical incisions, reducing recovery time and risk of complications.
- Natural Healing: By promoting the body’s natural healing processes, Discseel addresses the root cause of the issue rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
- Lower Risk of Failure: Given the high failure rate of traditional spine surgeries, Discseel offers a more reliable alternative with fewer risks.
- No Need for Hardware: Unlike surgical methods that may involve the implantation of hardware
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the suitability of the treatment for the patient. Once deemed appropriate, the procedure is conducted in a specialized setting. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a fibrin sealant is carefully injected into the damaged disc. The fluoroscope ensures precise placement of the sealant, maximizing its effectiveness.
The fibrin sealant works by forming a scaffold within the disc, which promotes the natural healing process. Over time, this scaffold encourages the regeneration of disc tissue, restoring the disc’s structural integrity and function. Patients typically experience a significant reduction in pain and improvement in mobility within weeks of the procedure. Moreover, because the treatment is minimally invasive, recovery times are considerably shorter compared to traditional surgical methods.
What is Fibrin and How is it Used in the Discseel Treatment?
Fibrin is a protein involved in the clotting of blood and is essential for wound healing. In the context of the Discseel procedure, fibrin is used as a biologic sealant to repair and regenerate damaged disc tissue. The sealant is derived from human or animal plasma and is carefully processed to ensure its safety and efficacy.
During the Discseel procedure, the fibrin sealant is injected into the damaged disc, where it forms a scaffold. This scaffold not only provides immediate structural support but also stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. The presence of fibrin encourages the growth of new, healthy disc tissue, effectively sealing the tear and restoring the disc’s function. This approach offers a promising alternative to traditional surgical methods, focusing on healing and regeneration rather than merely symptom management.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in providing minimally invasive therapies using living cells to heal dysfunctional and damaged tissues caused by trauma, genetics, or degenerative diseases. Our comprehensive range of services includes cell therapy orthobiologics, image-guided procedures, interventional treatments, functional rehabilitation, integrative medicine, laboratory processing, lifestyle medicine, nutritional counseling, peptide therapy, PRP therapy, supplementation, and weight loss services. Our focus is not only on alleviating pain but also on improving long-term quality of life and promoting health and wellbeing.
Orthobiologics Associates caters to individuals seeking advanced, minimally invasive solutions for tissue damage due to trauma, genetics, or degenerative diseases. Our clientele likely includes active adults and aging populations aiming to improve their quality of life through innovative treatments like cell therapy, PRP therapy, and integrative medicine. These clients are typically looking for alternatives to traditional surgery, are interested in holistic health approaches, and prioritize long-term wellness and pain relief. They value personalized care plans that focus on healing, rehabilitation, and lifestyle improvements.
