Herniated Disc Treatment in Ocala, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel-like substance of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in its tougher exterior. This condition can cause significant pain and discomfort as the herniated material may press on nearby nerves. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, approximately 90% of herniated discs occur in the lower back, or lumbar spine, but they can also occur in the cervical spine (neck) and, less commonly, in the thoracic spine (upper back). Herniated discs are a common cause of back pain, affecting an estimated 2-3% of the population at any given time.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary widely depending on the location of the herniation and the individual’s personal pain threshold. Common symptoms include:
- Localized Pain: Sharp, burning pain in the affected area of the spine.
- Radiating Pain: Pain that extends to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs, often described as sciatica when it affects the lower back and legs.
- Numbness and Tingling: A sensation of pins and needles in the areas served by the affected nerves.
- Weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected area which can lead to difficulty in performing everyday tasks.
- Loss of Reflexes: Reduced reflexes in the arms or legs.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may worsen with certain activities like sitting, standing, or lifting.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both conditions affect the spinal discs, they are not the same. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes out of its normal boundary but remains intact. This condition is often asymptomatic and is usually discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other issues. In contrast, a herniated disc involves a tear in the disc’s outer layer, allowing the inner gel to escape and potentially compress nearby nerves. This distinction is crucial because a herniated disc is more likely to cause pain and neurological symptoms than a bulging disc.
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 medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies.
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, their onset, and any activities that exacerbate or alleviate them. A physical exam will assess your range of motion, reflexes, muscle strength, and areas of numbness or tingling.
- Imaging Studies:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The most common and effective imaging test for diagnosing herniated and bulging discs. MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, including discs and nerves.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Often used if MRI is not an option. CT scans can provide detailed cross-sectional images of the spine.
- X-rays: While not as detailed for soft tissues, X-rays can rule out other causes of back pain, such as fractures or tumors.
- Myelogram: An imaging test that involves injecting dye into the spinal canal to make the spinal cord and nerve roots visible on X-rays or CT scans.
How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Several treatment options are available for herniated or bulging discs, each with its own benefits:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Short-term rest and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Medications:
- Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Prescription Medications: Muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications, or corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe pain.
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Chiropractic Care: Manual adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce pressure on the affected disc.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Injections of corticosteroids into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- Discseel Procedure: A cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that uses fibrin to seal tears in the disc and promote healing.
- PRP Therapy: Platelet-rich plasma injections to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel Procedure is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment designed to repair and regenerate damaged spinal discs. This procedure uses fibrin, a naturally occurring protein involved in blood clotting, to seal tears in the disc’s outer layer. By sealing these tears, the Discseel Procedure aims to prevent further leakage of the inner gel-like material and reduce pressure on nearby nerves. This not only alleviates pain but also promotes the natural healing of the disc. The Discseel Procedure is particularly appealing because it avoids the need for more invasive surgical interventions, offering a lower risk of complications and a quicker recovery time.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail, a condition 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 deemed successful. In contrast, the Discseel Procedure offers a less invasive alternative with a lower risk of complications and a higher likelihood of long-term success. Unlike traditional spine surgery, which often involves removing part of the disc or bone, the Discseel Procedure aims to repair and regenerate the damaged disc, preserving its natural structure and function.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel Procedure involves injecting a biologic substance called fibrin 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 clot that seals the tears in the disc’s outer layer. This seal prevents further leakage of the inner gel-like material and reduces pressure on nearby nerves. Over time, the fibrin clot is replaced by the body’s natural healing processes, promoting the regeneration of healthy disc tissue. This approach not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying cause of the herniation, offering a more sustainable solution compared to traditional surgical methods.
What is Fibrin and How is it Used in the Discseel Treatment?
Fibrin is a fibrous protein involved in the clotting of blood. It is formed from fibrinogen, a soluble protein present in blood plasma, through the action of the enzyme thrombin. In the Discseel Procedure, fibrin is used to seal tears in the disc’s outer layer, providing a scaffold for the body’s natural healing processes. When injected into the damaged disc, fibrin forms a stable clot that seals the tears and prevents further leakage of the inner gel-like material. This not only reduces pain and inflammation but also promotes the regeneration of healthy disc tissue. The use of fibrin in the Discseel Procedure represents a significant advancement in the treatment of herniated discs, offering a less invasive and more effective alternative to traditional surgical methods.
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 focus is not only on alleviating pain but also on improving long-term quality of life and promoting health and well-being. Our range of services includes cell therapy, PRP therapy, integrative medicine, and much more, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. By offering advanced, minimally invasive solutions like the Discseel Procedure, we aim to provide our patients with effective alternatives to traditional surgery, helping them achieve lasting relief and a better quality of life.
For more information about our services and how we can help you with herniated disc treatment, please explore our website or contact our experienced team today.
