A disc extrusion, also known as a disc herniation, usually occurs from degeneration due to a disease like osteoarthritis or the natural aging process. Other causes may include injury, trauma, overexertion, illness or obesity. Given the circumstances, extrusions are largely unpreventable and may heal on their own without surgery.

It occurs when injury or a degenerative condition causes the soft, jelly-like center of a vertebrae to bulge outward, or “extrude,” into the spinal cavity. The core material leaks into the spinal canal while still attached to the disc, having breached the outer layer of the vertebrae. This causes irritation, inflammation and pinched nerves that produce pain, tingling, numbness and reduced mobility. Dr. Jan M. Eckermann, MD. at Paragon Health Group offers surgical disc extrusion treatment at Newport Beach and Bakersfield.

Doctors will probably recommend conservative treatments to aid the healing process. Disk Extrusion Treatment options may include:

 

Medications: Over-the-counter medications can provide pain relief for mild to moderate pain. If you’re experiencing severe pain, our doctor may prescribe stronger pain relievers. If you’re having painful muscle spasms, then you may be prescribed a short-term course of muscle relaxants.

 

Cortisone injections: A corticosteroid injection directly into the damaged area reduces irritation and inflammation around compressed nerve roots. The effects of a cortisone shot are temporary, but it provides short-term pain relief and allows your body to start the healing process.

Physical therapy: We may recommend a course of physical therapy to help you regain lost mobility and improve strength in your spine and surrounding muscles. A therapist will work with you to build up strength in your low back and core muscles, which protect and support your spine.

 

Lifestyle Changes: Our doctor may recommend you make a few lifestyle changes like exercising regularly and losing excess weight. Exercising regularly can help you build and maintain strength, flexibility and mobile functionality in your muscles and joints. Losing excess weight takes stress and pressure off your spine and joints.

 

If you have significant disc damage or pain that’s affecting your ability to do everyday activities, surgery is an option for you. At Paragon Health Group, as a part of Disk Extrusion Treatment we perform minimally invasive spinal surgeries to repair or replace damaged spinal discs.

Connect with us to discuss your plans.