Herniated Disc Treatment in Apollo Beach, FL

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel-like core of an intervertebral disc leaks out through a tear in its tougher outer layer. This condition can lead to significant pain and discomfort, particularly when the herniated material compresses nearby nerves. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, herniated discs are most common in the lumbar spine (lower back) but can also occur in the cervical spine (neck). Statistics indicate that approximately 5 to 20 cases of herniated discs occur per 1,000 adults annually, making it a prevalent issue that requires effective treatment options.

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 the most noticeable symptom. In the case of a lumbar herniated disc, pain may radiate from the lower back down through the buttocks and into one or both legs (sciatica). For a cervical herniated disc, pain might be felt in the neck, shoulder, and arm.
Numbness and Tingling: Affected nerves can cause numbness or a tingling sensation in the areas served by those nerves.
Weakness: Muscles served by the impacted nerves may weaken, affecting the ability to lift or hold items or perform everyday tasks.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: In severe cases, particularly with lumbar herniation, there may be a loss of control over bladder or bowel functions, which requires immediate medical attention.

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How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?

While often confused, herniated discs and bulging discs are distinct conditions. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes outward but remains intact. It can cause discomfort if it presses on nerves but is generally less severe than a herniated disc. In contrast, a herniated disc involves a tear in the outer layer of the disc, allowing the inner gel-like substance to escape and potentially compress nearby nerves more significantly. Bulging discs are more common and often asymptomatic, whereas herniated discs tend to cause more pronounced symptoms and require more aggressive treatment.

How Do You Test to See if You Have a Herniated Disc or Bulging Disc?

Diagnosing a herniated or bulging disc involves several steps:

Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, examine your spine, and check for areas of tenderness, muscle strength, reflexes, and range of motion.

Imaging Tests:MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the most common and effective imaging test for diagnosing herniated discs. It provides detailed images of the spine’s soft tissues, including the discs.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This test offers detailed cross-sectional images of the spine and can be used if an MRI is not suitable.
X-rays: While X-rays can’t show herniated discs, they can help rule out other causes of back pain, such as fractures or tumors.
Nerve Tests:Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles and can help determine if nerve compression is causing muscle weakness.
Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests measure how well electrical signals travel through the nerves and can pinpoint nerve damage.

How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?

Treatment options for herniated or bulging discs include:

Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches can help strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
Medications:Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can help manage pain.
Muscle Relaxants: These can alleviate muscle spasms.
Corticosteroids: Oral or injected steroids can reduce inflammation and pain.
Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, proper posture, and ergonomic adjustments can relieve symptoms and prevent further injury.
Alternative Therapies:Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments may provide relief for some patients.
Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique can help alleviate pain.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:Epidural Steroid Injections: These can provide temporary pain relief by reducing inflammation around the affected nerve.
Discseel Procedure: An innovative treatment that involves injecting a biologic agent to seal tears in the disc.

What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?

The Discseel procedure is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment designed to address herniated and bulging discs by repairing the damaged disc tissue. This procedure involves the injection of a biologic agent, known as Fibrin, into the affected disc. Fibrin is a naturally occurring protein that plays a crucial role in the body’s healing process. When injected into the disc, it forms a clot that seals the tear and promotes tissue regeneration. This helps restore the disc’s integrity and function, reducing pain and preventing further degeneration. The Discseel procedure is particularly appealing because it offers an alternative to traditional spine surgery, which can be invasive and carry significant risks.

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 even higher failure rates, with one study indicating only a 30% success rate for second surgeries. In contrast, the Discseel procedure offers a less invasive, more natural approach to healing. By utilizing the body’s own regenerative capabilities, it reduces the risks associated with surgery, such as infections, prolonged recovery times, and the potential for further complications. Additionally, the Discseel procedure focuses on repairing the disc rather than removing or altering it, preserving the spine’s natural structure and function.

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How Does Discseel Work?

The Discseel procedure begins with a thorough diagnostic evaluation to confirm the presence and extent of disc damage. Once a patient is deemed a suitable candidate, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with the aid of fluoroscopic imaging to ensure precise placement of the biologic agent. Fibrin, the biologic agent used, is carefully injected into the damaged disc. Upon injection, Fibrin forms a clot that seals the tear in the disc’s outer layer. This clot not only prevents further leakage of the inner gel-like substance but also creates an environment conducive to tissue regeneration. Over time, the disc heals, regains its structural integrity, and alleviates the symptoms associated with herniation or bulging.

What is Fibrin and How is it Used in the Discseel Treatment?

Fibrin is a protein that plays a vital role in the body’s natural healing process. It is a key component of blood clots, which form to stop bleeding and initiate tissue repair. In the context of the Discseel procedure, Fibrin is utilized for its regenerative properties. When injected into a damaged disc, Fibrin forms a clot that seals tears in the disc’s outer layer. This clot not only prevents further leakage of the disc’s inner material but also provides a scaffold for new tissue growth. The presence of Fibrin promotes the natural healing process, encouraging the regeneration of healthy disc tissue and restoring the disc’s function. This minimally invasive approach aligns with the philosophy of Orthobiologics Associates, which emphasizes the use of living cells and biologic agents to heal dysfunctional and damaged tissues. By leveraging the body’s own healing mechanisms, the Discseel procedure offers a promising alternative to traditional surgical interventions, with the potential for improved outcomes and reduced risks.

Orthobiologics Associates specializes in providing minimally invasive therapies using living cells to heal dysfunctional and damaged tissues caused by trauma, genetics, or degenerative diseases. Their 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. Their focus is not only on alleviating pain but also on improving long-term quality of life and promoting overall health and wellbeing. By offering advanced, minimally invasive solutions like the Discseel procedure, Orthobiologics Associates caters to individuals seeking effective alternatives to traditional surgery, emphasizing holistic health approaches and personalized care plans that prioritize healing, rehabilitation, and lifestyle improvements.

For those in Apollo Beach, FL, dealing with the challenges of a herniated or bulging disc, Orthobiologics Associates provides a range of innovative treatment options designed to restore function, alleviate pain, and enhance quality of life. Whether through the Discseel procedure or other advanced therapies, they are committed to helping patients achieve optimal health and wellbeing.