Herniated Disc Treatment in Westchase, FL
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer layer. This condition can cause irritation to nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, herniated discs are most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) but can also occur in the neck (cervical spine). Statistics show that about 1-2% of people will experience a herniated disc at some point in their lives, with the highest incidence occurring in individuals aged 30 to 50 years.
What Does a Herniated Disc Feel Like?
Experiencing a herniated disc can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include sharp or burning pain in the affected area. If the herniated disc is in the lower back, you might feel pain radiating down your buttocks, thigh, and calf, a condition often referred to as sciatica. Cervical herniated discs can cause pain in the neck, shoulder, and arm. Alongside pain, other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected limbs. Some individuals also report difficulty with motor skills, such as walking or holding objects.
How is a Herniated Disc Different from a Bulging Disc?
While both conditions involve spinal discs, a herniated disc and a bulging disc are not the same. A bulging disc happens when the disc extends beyond its normal boundary but remains intact. This can cause pressure on nearby nerves but typically involves less severe symptoms compared to a herniated disc. On the other hand, a herniated disc involves a tear in the outer layer of the disc, allowing the inner gel to escape and potentially irritate nearby nerves more significantly. Essentially, all herniated discs are bulging, but not all bulging discs are herniated.
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. During a physical exam, a healthcare provider may check for muscle strength, reflexes, and sensitivity to touch. Imaging tests like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are commonly used to provide detailed images of the spine, helping to identify the location and extent of the disc issue. X-rays might also be utilized to rule out other conditions. In some cases, a myelogram, which involves injecting dye into the spinal fluid before taking X-rays, may be recommended for a more detailed view.
How Do You Treat a Herniated or Bulging Disc?
Treatment options for herniated or bulging discs vary depending on the severity of the condition 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 or prescription medications can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves.
- Chiropractic Care: Non-invasive adjustments can help realign the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine technique that can help alleviate pain and improve function.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, ergonomic adjustments, and exercise can all contribute to long-term spine health.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like the Discseel procedure offer less invasive options for treating herniated discs.
What is the Discseel Procedure for Herniated Disc Treatment?
The Discseel procedure is a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment designed to repair herniated or bulging discs. Unlike traditional spine surgery, which involves removing or altering parts of the spine, the Discseel procedure uses a special biologic material called Fibrin to seal the tears in the disc. This material promotes natural healing and helps restore the disc’s integrity, reducing pain and improving function. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, typically requiring only local anesthesia. Patients often experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within weeks, with minimal downtime and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional surgery.
Why is Discseel Preferred Over Spine Surgery?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates that 20 to 40% of back surgeries fail, a statistic that underscores the risks associated with traditional spine surgery. Furthermore, patients who undergo repeated back surgeries face an even higher chance of failure. One study found that only 30% of second back surgeries are successful. Given these statistics, the Discseel procedure offers a compelling alternative. It is less invasive, involves fewer risks, and has a shorter recovery time. By focusing on repairing the disc rather than removing or altering it, Discseel aims to provide long-term relief without the significant risks associated with traditional spine surgery.
How Does Discseel Work?
The Discseel procedure works by using Fibrin, a biologic material that mimics the body’s natural clotting process, to seal tears in the spinal disc. During the procedure, a specialized needle is used to inject Fibrin into the affected disc. The Fibrin then works to seal the tears, promoting natural healing and helping to restore the disc’s structural integrity. This process not only alleviates pain but also addresses the root cause of the problem, offering a more sustainable solution. The procedure is guided by advanced imaging techniques to ensure precise delivery of the Fibrin, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients typically experience significant pain relief and improved function within weeks, making it an attractive option for those seeking alternatives to traditional spine surgery.
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 seal wounds and promote tissue regeneration. In the context of the Discseel procedure, Fibrin is used to seal tears in the spinal disc. The material is injected into the disc using a specialized needle, guided by advanced imaging techniques to ensure precision. Once inside the disc, the Fibrin forms a scaffold that supports the natural healing process, promoting the regeneration of damaged tissue and restoring the disc’s integrity. This approach not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying cause of the problem, offering a more sustainable solution compared to traditional treatments.
Orthobiologics Associates in Westchase, 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 both pain relief and long-term health and wellbeing, Orthobiologics Associates aim to improve the quality of life for their patients. Their advanced, minimally invasive solutions cater to individuals seeking alternatives to traditional surgery, with a focus on holistic health approaches and personalized care plans that promote healing, rehabilitation, and lifestyle improvements.
