Herniated Disc Treatment in Wesley Chapel, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher exterior casing. This condition can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, herniated discs are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Statistics show that approximately 2-3% of the population will experience a herniated disc at some point in their lives, with the highest prevalence among individuals aged 30-50.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary based on the location of the disc and the severity of the herniation. Common symptoms include:
- Pain: Sharp, burning pain radiating from the spine to the arms or legs. In the lumbar spine, this pain often extends down the buttocks and into the legs (sciatica). In the cervical spine, it can radiate to the shoulders and arms.
- Numbness or Tingling: A herniated disc can cause numbness or tingling in the affected area, often extending to the extremities.
- Weakness: Muscles served by the affected nerves may weaken, potentially affecting your ability to lift or hold items.
- Loss of Reflexes: Reflexes in the knees or ankles may diminish, affecting your overall mobility.
These symptoms can significantly impact daily activities, making it essential to seek appropriate treatment.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both conditions involve issues with spinal discs, they are not the same. A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes outward but remains intact, without the inner gel-like material breaking through the outer layer. This condition is often a result of aging and disc degeneration and might not cause symptoms unless it compresses nearby nerves.
In contrast, a herniated disc involves a tear in the outer layer, allowing the inner material to escape and potentially irritate nearby nerves. Herniated discs are more likely to cause pain and other symptoms compared to bulging discs.
How Do You Test to See if You Have a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Diagnosing a herniated or bulging disc involves several steps:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: A thorough medical history and physical exam help identify symptoms and potential causes. During the exam, the doctor may check muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to touch.
- Imaging Tests:MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is the most common and effective imaging test for diagnosing herniated and bulging discs. It provides detailed images of the spinal discs and nerves.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Often used when MRI is not an option, a CT scan offers detailed cross-sectional images of the spine.
- X-rays: While X-rays can’t show herniated discs, they can rule out other causes of back pain, such as fractures.
- Nerve Tests:Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of muscles and can help determine if nerve compression is present.
How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Treatment options for herniated or bulging discs vary based on the severity of symptoms and the individual’s overall health. Here are some common treatments and their benefits:
- Physical Therapy: Helps strengthen the muscles around the spine, improving flexibility and reducing pain.
- Medications:Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can alleviate pain.
- Muscle Relaxants: Help reduce muscle spasms.
- Nerve Pain Medications: Specifically target nerve-related pain.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, ergonomic adjustments, and exercise can help manage symptoms and prevent further disc issues.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques such as microdiscectomy can remove the herniated portion of the disc with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment designed to repair damaged spinal discs. Unlike traditional spine surgery, which often involves removing part of the disc or fusing vertebrae, the Discseel procedure focuses on repairing and regenerating the disc itself. This procedure uses an FDA-approved biologic called fibrin, which is a natural protein involved in blood clotting and tissue repair. The fibrin is injected into the damaged disc, where it forms a scaffold that promotes the growth of new, healthy tissue. This not only helps to seal any tears in the disc but also encourages the regeneration of the disc’s natural structure and function.
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). For patients undergoing repeated back surgeries, the failure rate increases significantly. One study found that only 30% of second back surgeries are successful. In contrast, the Discseel procedure offers a less invasive alternative with a lower risk of complications and a higher success rate. By focusing on repairing the disc rather than removing or altering it, Discseel aims to preserve the spine’s natural mechanics and reduce the likelihood of future problems.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure begins with a thorough evaluation to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate. Once confirmed, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with the guidance of advanced imaging techniques to ensure precision. The fibrin biologic is injected into the damaged disc, where it works to seal tears and promote tissue regeneration. Over time, the fibrin scaffold is absorbed by the body, leaving behind newly formed, healthy tissue. This helps to restore the disc’s natural cushioning and flexibility, alleviating pain and improving overall spinal function. The entire process is minimally invasive, allowing for a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
What is Fibrin and How is it Used in the Discseel Treatment?
Fibrin is a naturally occurring 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 context of the Discseel procedure, fibrin is used as a biologic scaffold to promote the regeneration of damaged spinal discs. When injected into the disc, fibrin forms a mesh-like structure that supports the growth of new cells and tissue. This not only helps to seal any tears in the disc but also encourages the restoration of its natural structure and function. The use of fibrin in the Discseel procedure aligns perfectly with the mission of Orthobiologics Associates, which specializes in providing minimally invasive therapies using living cells to heal dysfunctional and damaged tissues.
At Orthobiologics Associates, we are committed to offering advanced, minimally invasive solutions for tissue damage due to trauma, genetics, or degenerative diseases. Our treatments, including the Discseel procedure, focus not only on alleviating pain but also on improving long-term quality of life and promoting overall health and wellbeing. By utilizing cutting-edge techniques and biologics such as fibrin, we aim to provide our patients with effective, personalized care plans that prioritize healing, rehabilitation, and lifestyle improvements.
For individuals seeking alternatives to traditional surgery, our comprehensive range of services—including 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—offers a holistic approach to health and wellness. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting relief and a higher quality of life through innovative, patient-centered care.
