Herniated Disc Treatment in Gibsonton, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a condition where the soft inner gel of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in its outer layer. This can happen anywhere along 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 2-3% of people will experience a herniated disc at some point in their lives. This condition can cause significant discomfort, pain, and mobility issues, impacting the quality of life for many individuals.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: Sharp or burning pain in the affected area, which may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs.
- Numbness or Tingling: Sensations of numbness or tingling in the limbs, often indicating that the herniated disc is pressing on a nerve.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected area, which can affect your ability to lift or hold items.
- Loss of Reflexes: Diminished reflexes in the arms or legs, particularly if the herniated disc is impacting nerve function.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen with certain activities, such as bending, lifting, or twisting.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both herniated and bulging discs involve the displacement of spinal disc material, they are distinct conditions. A bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of the disc extends outward, often affecting a larger portion of the disc. In contrast, a herniated disc involves a tear in the outer layer, allowing the inner gel to escape. This distinction is crucial as a herniated disc typically causes more severe symptoms due to the direct pressure on the spinal nerves.
How Do You Test for a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Diagnosing a herniated or bulging disc involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Here are the primary methods used:
- Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, check for muscle weakness, and test reflexes.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This imaging test provides detailed images of the spine, allowing doctors to see the extent of disc herniation or bulging.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan can offer cross-sectional images of the spine, helping to identify abnormalities.
- X-Rays: While X-rays cannot show herniated discs, they can rule out other causes of back pain, such as fractures or tumors.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test measures 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?
Several treatment options are available for herniated or bulging discs, each with its benefits:
- Conservative Treatments:
- Physical Therapy: Helps strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers can manage symptoms.
- Rest: Short periods of rest can alleviate pain, but prolonged inactivity is not recommended.
- Heat/Ice Therapy: Reduces inflammation and eases pain.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments can alleviate pressure on the nerves.
- Advanced Treatments:
- Discseel Procedure: A cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that repairs damaged discs using fibrin, a natural protein.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is a revolutionary treatment option for herniated discs that offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spine surgery. This procedure involves injecting a biologic material called fibrin into the damaged disc. Fibrin is a natural protein that promotes tissue repair and regeneration. The Discseel procedure aims to seal the tears in the disc’s outer layer, preventing further leakage of the inner gel and reducing pressure on the spinal nerves. This treatment not only alleviates pain but also promotes the natural healing of the disc, offering long-term benefits for patients.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail, a phenomenon often referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). The likelihood of failure increases with each subsequent surgery, with only 30% of second back surgeries being successful. In contrast, the Discseel procedure offers a less invasive alternative with a higher success rate. By avoiding the risks associated with open spine surgery, such as infection, blood loss, and long recovery times, patients can experience quicker relief and return to their daily activities with minimal downtime.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure works by utilizing fibrin, a biologic material that mimics the body’s natural healing processes. During the procedure, a healthcare provider uses imaging guidance to accurately inject fibrin into the damaged disc. The fibrin forms a scaffold within the disc, sealing tears and promoting the regeneration of disc tissue. This helps to restore the disc’s structural integrity and reduce pressure on the spinal nerves. Patients often experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within weeks of the procedure, making it a highly effective treatment option for herniated discs.
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 processes. It is involved in blood clotting and tissue repair, forming a mesh-like structure that supports cell growth and tissue regeneration. In the Discseel procedure, fibrin is used to repair damaged spinal discs by sealing tears and promoting the regeneration of disc tissue. The fibrin is injected into the damaged disc under imaging guidance, ensuring precise delivery to the affected area. This innovative use of fibrin helps to restore the disc’s structural integrity, reduce pain, and improve overall spinal function.
Orthobiologics Associates, located in Gibsonton, 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 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. By focusing on not only alleviating pain but also improving long-term quality of life and promoting health and wellbeing, Orthobiologics Associates offers advanced, minimally invasive solutions for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional surgery. Their personalized care plans aim to enhance healing, rehabilitation, and lifestyle improvements, catering to active adults and aging populations alike.
