Herniated Disc Treatment in Hyde Park, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel of the intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort, primarily because the protruding disc material can press on nearby nerves. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 1 in 50 people will experience a herniated disc each year, with the condition being most prevalent among individuals aged 30 to 50. The lumbar spine, or lower back, is the most common site for herniated discs, although they can also occur in the cervical spine (neck).
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 dull ache to sharp, shooting pain. If the herniation is in the lower back, the pain may radiate down the legs (sciatica). For cervical herniations, the pain may spread to the shoulders and arms.
- Numbness and Tingling: A herniated disc can cause numbness or a tingling sensation in the affected area, often extending to the limbs.
- Weakness: The muscles served by the affected nerves may weaken, leading to difficulty in lifting or holding items.
- Reduced Mobility: Pain and discomfort can limit the range of motion and make everyday activities challenging.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both conditions involve the intervertebral discs, there are key differences between a herniated disc and a bulging disc. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes outward but remains intact, typically affecting a larger portion of the disc. In contrast, a herniated disc involves a rupture or tear in the outer layer, allowing the inner gel to escape. Bulging discs are often less symptomatic and may go unnoticed, whereas herniated discs are more likely to cause significant pain and neurological symptoms due to nerve compression.
How Do You Test for a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Diagnosing a herniated or bulging disc involves a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical exam to check for signs of nerve damage, muscle weakness, and reflex changes.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing disc problems. It provides detailed images of the discs, nerves, and surrounding structures, helping to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the herniation or bulge.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans offer detailed cross-sectional images and can be particularly useful if MRI is not available or contraindicated.
- X-rays: While X-rays cannot show herniated discs, they can help rule out other causes of back pain, such as fractures or spinal misalignment.
- Electromyography (EMG): EMG tests the electrical activity of muscles and can help determine if nerve compression is affecting muscle function.
How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Treatment options for herniated or bulging discs vary based on the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced. Common treatments include:
- Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises and stretches can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, reducing pain and swelling.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments and manipulations can help relieve pressure on the nerves and improve spinal alignment.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique can help reduce pain and promote healing.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, ergonomic adjustments, and regular exercise can prevent further disc problems and improve overall spine health.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for herniated discs that offers an alternative to traditional spine surgery. This procedure involves injecting a biologic adhesive called fibrin into the damaged disc. The fibrin acts as a sealant, repairing the tear in the outer layer of the disc and preventing the inner gel from leaking out. This not only alleviates pain and other symptoms but also promotes the natural healing of the disc. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour, allowing patients to return home the same day. The Discseel procedure has shown promising results in clinical studies, with many patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
Traditional spine surgery, such as discectomy or spinal fusion, carries significant risks and a high rate of failure. The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail, and patients undergoing repeated surgeries face an even higher risk of failure. One study found that only 30% of second back surgeries are successful. In contrast, the Discseel procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative with fewer risks and a higher success rate. Because it does not involve removing or altering the spine’s structure, the recovery time is shorter, and the risk of complications is significantly reduced. Additionally, the Discseel procedure addresses the root cause of the herniation by repairing the damaged disc, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure works by utilizing fibrin, a naturally occurring protein involved in blood clotting and tissue repair. During the procedure, the fibrin is injected into the damaged disc under fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise placement. Once injected, the fibrin forms a scaffold that seals the tear in the outer layer of the disc, preventing further leakage of the inner gel. This sealant also provides a matrix for new tissue growth, promoting the natural healing of the disc. Over time, the disc’s structure is restored, reducing pressure on the surrounding nerves and alleviating pain and other symptoms. The Discseel procedure not only provides immediate relief but also supports long-term recovery and spine health.
What is Fibrin and How is it Used in the Discseel Treatment?
Fibrin is a protein that plays a crucial role in the body’s natural healing processes. It is involved in blood clotting, wound healing, and tissue repair. In the context of the Discseel procedure, fibrin is used as a biologic adhesive to repair damaged intervertebral discs. The fibrin used in this procedure is typically derived from human plasma and is carefully processed to ensure its safety and efficacy. When injected into the damaged disc, the fibrin forms a clot that seals the tear in the outer layer, preventing further leakage of the inner gel. This sealant not only alleviates pain and other symptoms but also provides a scaffold for new tissue growth, promoting the natural healing of the disc. The use of fibrin in the Discseel procedure represents a significant advancement in the treatment of herniated discs, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spine surgery.
Orthobiologics Associates, located in Hyde Park, FL, specializes in providing minimally invasive therapies using living cells to heal dysfunctional and damaged tissues caused by trauma, genetics, or degenerative diseases. Their comprehensive approach 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. By focusing on both alleviating pain and improving long-term quality of life, Orthobiologics Associates offers a holistic approach to spine health and overall well-being. Their personalized care plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring optimal outcomes and a higher quality of life.
