Herniated Disc Treatment in Oldsmar, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing flexibility and absorbing shock. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, herniated discs are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Statistically, around 2% of the population suffers from a herniated disc each year, with the condition being more prevalent in individuals aged 30 to 50.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary significantly depending on the location of the disc and whether it is pressing on a nerve. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: This is often described as sharp or burning and can radiate from the back to the arms or legs.
- Numbness or Tingling: A herniated disc can cause numbness or tingling in the affected area, often extending to the limbs.
- Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken, which can affect your ability to lift or hold objects.
People with a herniated disc may also experience discomfort when sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods. The pain often worsens with certain movements, such as bending or twisting.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both conditions involve the spinal discs, a herniated disc and a bulging disc are not the same. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes out of its normal boundary but does not rupture. This can cause pressure on surrounding nerves, leading to pain and discomfort.
In contrast, a herniated disc involves the rupture of the disc’s outer layer, allowing the inner gel-like substance to leak out. This can cause more severe symptoms, including intense pain and nerve irritation. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How Do You Test to See If You Have a Herniated Disc or Bulging Disc?
Diagnosing a herniated or bulging disc typically involves a combination of physical examinations and imaging tests. Here are some common methods:
- Physical Examination: A doctor will check for signs of nerve damage, such as muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and reflex abnormalities.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This imaging test provides detailed images of the spinal discs and nerves, helping to identify the exact location and severity of the disc problem.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Often used in conjunction with a myelogram, a CT scan provides cross-sectional images of the spine, offering more detail than standard X-rays.
- X-rays: While X-rays can’t show herniated discs, they can rule out other causes of back pain, such as fractures or tumors.
- EMG (Electromyography): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles and can help determine the extent of nerve damage.
How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Treatment options for herniated or bulging discs vary based on the severity of the symptoms and the specific needs of the patient. Here are some common treatments and their benefits:
- Physical Therapy: Helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, improving flexibility and reducing pain.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can help manage symptoms.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: These injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical options like discectomy or laminectomy may be considered to remove the damaged portion of the disc.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment designed to repair damaged spinal discs. Developed to offer an alternative to traditional spine surgery, the Discseel procedure involves injecting a biologic substance called fibrin into the damaged disc. This substance acts as a sealant, promoting natural healing and restoring the disc’s structural integrity. Unlike traditional surgery, which often involves removing part of the disc or fusing vertebrae, the Discseel procedure aims to preserve the disc and maintain spinal mobility.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail, leading to a condition known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). The likelihood of success decreases with each subsequent surgery, with only 30% of second back surgeries being successful. Given these statistics, the Discseel procedure offers a promising alternative. It is less invasive, has a shorter recovery time, and aims to treat the root cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms. This makes it an attractive option for patients seeking long-term relief without the risks associated with traditional surgery.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure works by injecting fibrin, a naturally occurring protein, into the damaged disc. Fibrin acts as a biological sealant, promoting the regeneration of the disc’s outer layer and preventing further leakage of the inner gel-like substance. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
Diagnosis: Comprehensive imaging tests are conducted to identify the damaged discs.
Preparation: The patient is positioned to allow easy access to the affected area.
Injection: Using image-guided technology, fibrin is carefully injected into the damaged disc.
Sealing: The fibrin forms a seal around the damaged area, promoting natural healing and tissue regeneration.
The entire procedure is minimally invasive, often performed on an outpatient basis, and requires only a local anesthetic. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days, making it a convenient and effective treatment option.
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 process. It is a key component of blood clots, helping to stop bleeding and promote tissue repair. In the Discseel procedure, fibrin is used as a biological sealant to repair damaged spinal discs. When injected into the disc, fibrin forms a mesh-like structure that seals the tear and provides a scaffold for new tissue to grow.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we specialize in using minimally invasive therapies like the Discseel procedure to treat herniated and bulging discs. Our approach focuses not only on alleviating pain but also on improving long-term quality of life and promoting overall health and well-being. By leveraging advanced technologies and biologic materials, we aim to provide effective, personalized care plans that cater to the unique needs of each patient.
Orthobiologics Associates offers a range of services, including cell therapy, PRP therapy, and integrative medicine, to address various musculoskeletal issues. Our treatments are designed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes, providing a holistic approach to health and wellness. Whether you’re dealing with a herniated disc, a bulging disc, or other tissue damage, our team is committed to helping you achieve optimal health and a pain-free life.
For more information on our services and how we can help you, please explore our website and discover the advanced, minimally invasive solutions we offer for tissue damage and degenerative diseases.
