Prolapsed Disc

A prolapsed disc is a condition in which the soft core of a disc becomes exposed through compression from surrounding vertebrae and leaks into the spinal canal. As the inner material is expelled, this may lead to nearby nerves becoming constricted and cause a variety of symptoms. This condition can also be referred to as a ruptured, herniated or slipped disc. A prolapsed disc can appear in any region of the spine.

Causes of a Prolapsed Disc

Although there is no main cause of this condition, there are a few leading causes that can lead to a prolapsed disc.

Age: Natural degeneration of the spine may cause this condition.
Excess Weight: Extra weight can place a harmful amount of pressure on the spine and can result in a prolapsed disc.
Trauma: High impact traumatic accidents or sports injuries may cause a prolapsed disc.
Genetic: If there is a family history of a spinal condition, then there is a greater likelihood of developing this condition.

Symptoms of a Prolapsed Disc

This spinal condition will only result in pain or symptoms when the inner core places pressure on surrounding nerves. Here are the leading signs and symptoms of a prolapsed disc:

Localized pain
Muscle weakness
Numbness and tingling

Stiffness
Radiating pain throughout the body

Treatments

At OC Spine Center, we strive to treat all spinal conditions with the utmost care and precision. We diagnose each spinal condition through a comprehensive consultation. During the consultation, the physician will perform a short physical exam, assess the symptoms and create a customized treatment plan. Our board-certified spine specialists initially treat all conditions with conservative forms of treatment. Depending on success of the treatment, we may continue with the current treatment or advance to a more involved route. If symptoms persist, our physicians may recommend our minimally invasive spine surgery. We offer specialized decompression procedures to alleviate the symptoms of a prolapsed disc.

If you are interested in starting your journey to relief, contact the spine specialists at OC Spine Center.