Herniated Disc Treatment in Riverview, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel of an intervertebral disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. This condition can happen in any part of the spine but is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and the neck (cervical spine). According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 5 to 20 people per 1,000 adults experience a herniated disc annually. This condition can lead to significant discomfort and impair daily activities, making timely and effective treatment essential.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: This is often sharp or burning and can radiate from the affected area to other parts of the body. For instance, a herniated disc in the lower back may cause pain that extends down the leg (sciatica).
- Numbness or Tingling: Affected nerves may cause a sensation of numbness or tingling in the areas served by those nerves.
- Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken, which can impact your ability to lift or hold objects.
- Loss of Function: Severe cases can result in loss of bladder or bowel control, which requires immediate medical attention.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
Though often confused, a herniated disc and a bulging disc are distinct conditions. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes out of its normal boundary but does not rupture. The outer layer remains intact, and the bulge is usually more uniform. In contrast, a herniated disc involves a crack in the outer layer, allowing the inner gel-like substance to leak out. This can cause more severe symptoms due to increased pressure on surrounding nerves.
How Do You Test to See if You Have a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Diagnosing a herniated or bulging disc typically involves a combination of physical examinations and imaging tests:
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, reflexes, muscle strength, and ability to walk and perform other movements.
- Imaging Tests:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the most common and effective imaging test for diagnosing disc problems. It provides detailed images of your spine, allowing for the identification of herniations or bulges.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Often used if MRI is not an option, a CT scan provides cross-sectional images of the spine.
- X-rays: While not as detailed as MRI or CT scans, X-rays can help rule out other causes of back pain.
- Nerve Tests: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can help determine the extent of 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:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles around the spine can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can provide temporary relief.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for several months.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments can help realign the spine and relieve pressure on the affected disc.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like microdiscectomy involve removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on a nerve.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options like spinal fusion or disc replacement may be considered.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment specifically designed for herniated and bulging discs. Unlike traditional surgical options, Discseel aims to repair and regenerate the damaged disc using a specialized biological adhesive known as Fibrin. This procedure involves injecting the Fibrin into the affected disc, which then seals tears and promotes natural healing. The process is guided by advanced imaging techniques to ensure precision and efficacy.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail, and the success rate drops significantly for subsequent surgeries. One study found that only 30% of second back surgeries are successful. Given these statistics, the Discseel procedure offers a compelling alternative. It is less invasive, reduces the risk of complications, and promotes natural healing without the need for hardware or extensive recovery periods. Patients often experience quicker relief and a more sustainable improvement in their quality of life.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure works by leveraging the healing properties of Fibrin, a natural protein involved in blood clotting. During the procedure, a small needle is used to inject Fibrin into the damaged disc under the guidance of advanced imaging technologies. The Fibrin forms a scaffold that seals tears in the disc and encourages the regeneration of disc tissue. This process not only alleviates pain but also restores the disc’s structural integrity, offering a long-term solution to disc-related problems. Patients typically experience significant pain relief and improved function within weeks of the procedure.
What is Fibrin and How is it Used in the Discseel Treatment?
Fibrin is a natural protein that plays a crucial role in the body’s healing process. It is a key component of blood clots, helping to stop bleeding and initiate tissue repair. In the Discseel procedure, Fibrin is used as a biological adhesive to seal tears in the intervertebral disc. When injected into the disc, the Fibrin forms a mesh-like structure that not only closes the tears but also promotes the growth of new, healthy disc tissue. This dual action makes Fibrin an ideal substance for treating herniated and bulging discs, offering both immediate relief and long-term healing.
Orthobiologics Associates specializes in providing minimally invasive therapies using living cells to heal dysfunctional and damaged tissues caused by trauma, genetics, or degenerative diseases. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including cell therapy orthobiologics, image-guided procedures, interventional treatments, functional rehabilitation, and integrative medicine. Their focus is not only on alleviating pain but also on improving long-term quality of life and promoting overall health and wellbeing. By incorporating advanced techniques like the Discseel procedure, Orthobiologics Associates aims to provide effective, minimally invasive solutions for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional surgery.
By understanding the various aspects of herniated disc treatment, from diagnosis to advanced procedures like Discseel, patients in Riverview, FL, can make informed decisions about their healthcare. Orthobiologics Associates is committed to offering state-of-the-art treatments that prioritize patient wellbeing and long-term health.
