Herniated Disc Treatment in Hudson, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This condition can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg, depending on the location of the herniated disc. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, herniated discs are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Statistics indicate that approximately 2% of the general population will suffer from a herniated disc at some point in their lives, with the likelihood increasing with age.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary significantly based on the location and severity of the herniation. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: This is often the most prominent symptom. Pain can be sharp or burning and may radiate from the back to the arms or legs.
- Numbness or Tingling: A herniated disc can cause numbness or tingling in the body parts served by the affected nerves.
- Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken, which can impact your ability to hold or lift items or even walk properly.
- Sciatica: If the herniation is in the lower back, it can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain to radiate down the leg, a condition known as sciatica.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both conditions involve the spinal discs, a herniated disc and a bulging disc are not the same. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes out of its normal space but remains intact. In contrast, a herniated disc involves a tear in the outer layer of the disc, allowing the inner gel-like substance to leak out. Bulging discs are often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging for other issues, whereas herniated discs are more likely to cause significant pain and neurological symptoms.
How Do You Test to See if You Have a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Diagnosing a herniated or bulging disc usually involves several steps:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for pain, muscle weakness, and abnormal reflexes.
- Imaging Tests:MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the most common test for diagnosing herniated discs, as it provides detailed images of the spine.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan can also provide detailed images and is often used if an MRI is not possible.
- X-rays: While X-rays cannot detect herniated discs, they can help rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
- Nerve Tests:Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles and can help pinpoint nerve damage.
- Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): This test measures the speed and strength of signals traveling in your nerves and can help identify nerve damage.
How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
There are several treatment options available for herniated or bulging discs, each with its own set of benefits:
- Rest and Activity Modification:Benefits: Reduces inflammation and pain, allowing the disc to heal naturally.
- Medications:Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain.
- Muscle Relaxants: These can help alleviate muscle spasms.
- Benefits: Provides immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
- Physical Therapy:Benefits: Strengthens the muscles around the spine, improves flexibility, and reduces the risk of future injuries.
- Epidural Steroid Injections:Benefits: Reduces inflammation and pain, offering relief for several weeks to months.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures:Discseel Procedure: A cutting-edge treatment that involves injecting a biologic material to seal tears in the disc.
- Benefits: Minimally invasive with a quicker recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is a revolutionary treatment designed to address the root cause of herniated discs. Unlike traditional surgical methods that involve removing the damaged part of the disc, the Discseel procedure uses a biologic material called fibrin to seal the tears in the disc. This material is injected into the disc under fluoroscopic guidance, ensuring precise delivery. The fibrin works by promoting natural healing and regeneration of the disc tissue, thereby restoring its integrity and function. This minimally invasive procedure is particularly beneficial for those who have not found relief from conventional treatments and are looking for an alternative to surgery.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail. Patients undergoing repeated back surgeries have a much higher chance of failure, with only 30% of second back surgeries being successful. The Discseel procedure offers several advantages over traditional spine surgery:
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves a simple injection, reducing the risk of complications associated with open surgery.
- Quicker Recovery: Patients can often return to their normal activities much sooner compared to those who undergo surgery.
- Lower Risk of Failure: The Discseel procedure addresses the root cause of the problem, reducing the likelihood of recurrent issues.
- Cost-Effective: Given the high failure rates and potential need for multiple surgeries, the Discseel procedure can be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure is a sophisticated treatment that leverages the body’s natural healing mechanisms. During the procedure, a biologic material known as fibrin is injected into the damaged disc. Fibrin is a protein that plays a crucial role in blood clotting and tissue repair. When injected into the disc, fibrin forms a scaffold that supports the regeneration of disc tissue. This helps to seal the tears and restore the disc’s structural integrity. The entire process is guided by fluoroscopy, ensuring that the fibrin is delivered precisely to the affected area. The result is a more stable, pain-free spine that allows patients to return to their daily activities without the need for invasive surgery.
What is Fibrin and How is it Used in the Discseel Treatment?
Fibrin is a protein that is essential for the body’s natural healing processes. It is produced in response to injury and forms a mesh-like structure that helps to stop bleeding and initiate tissue repair. In the context of the Discseel procedure, fibrin is used to seal the tears in the spinal disc. When injected into the disc, fibrin forms a scaffold that supports the regeneration of disc tissue. This not only helps to seal the tears but also promotes the natural healing of the disc. The use of fibrin in the Discseel procedure is a prime example of how advanced, minimally invasive therapies can leverage the body’s natural healing mechanisms to treat complex conditions like herniated discs.
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. We cater to individuals seeking advanced, minimally invasive solutions for tissue damage due to trauma, genetics, or degenerative diseases. Our clientele 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.
By choosing Orthobiologics Associates, you are opting for a holistic, patient-centered approach to your health and wellbeing. Our advanced treatments and personalized care plans are designed to not only alleviate pain but also to promote long-term health and improve your quality of life. Whether you are dealing with a herniated disc, a bulging disc, or any other condition, our team of experts is here to help you find the best treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
For more information on our services and how we can help you, please explore our website and learn more about our innovative treatments and holistic health approaches.
