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Disc Problems
Overview | Causes | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | FAQ
Overview
The shock-absorbing discs that separate the bones in
the spine are probably the most common reason for spine surgery. The disc
is much like a jelly doughnut, in that there is an outside wall and a soft center. The “jelly” is the inner spongy portion
of the disc, called the nucleus pulposus. Encircling the nucleus
pulposus are hard bands of fibrous tissue called the annulus fibrosis, or disc
wall.
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Causes
With age, the disc can become more brittle and susceptible to herniation
or rupture. Years of strain, and poor body lifting form, can take a toll.
A sudden stress from lifting can cause this weakened disc to
rupture, allowing the jelly center to protrude out of the disc space. This
jelly contains chemicals which are extremely irritating to the nerves,
and this can also cause swelling. [top]
Symptoms
Because the nerve roots act as telegraph lines to other parts of the body,
a common complication of disc herniation is that it can cause pain that
is felt in other parts of the body, like the leg. In fact, leg pain below
the knee is a common herniated disc symptom. This radiating pain is called
radicular pain or radiculopathy.
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Diagnosis
Your physician will request diagnostic testing to help determine the best
treatment plan.
- X-rays are usually the first step in diagnostic testing
methods. X-rays show bones and the spaces between the bones.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a magnetic field
and radio waves to generate highly detailed pictures of the inside of
your body. Because X-rays only show bones, MRIs are needed to see soft
tissues lik
 e spinal discs. These images help your doctor provide a more
accurate diagnosis. MRIs are very safe and usually pain-free.
- CT scan/myelogram - A CT scan is similar to an MRI because
it provides additional diagnostic information about the internal structures
of the spine. A myelogram is used to diagnose a bulging disc, tumor
or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord or nerves. A local
anesthetic is injected into your low back to numb the area. A lumbar
puncture (spinal tap) is then performed. A dye is injected into the
spinal canal to reveal where problems lie.
- Electrodiagnostic - Electrical testing of the nerves
and spinal cord may be performed as part of our diagnostic workups.
These tests, called Electromyography (EMG) or somatosensory evoked
potentials (SSEP), assist your physician in understanding how your nerves
or spinal cord are affected by your condition.
- Bone scan - Bone imaging is used to detect infection,
malignancy, fractures and arthritis in any area of the body. Bone scans
are also used to find lesions for biopsy or excision.
- Discography - Discography is used to determine the internal
structure of your disc. It is performed with a local anesthetic by injecting
dye into the disc under X-ray guidance. An X-ray or CT scan is performed
to determine if the disc’s structure is normal or abnormal and
if the injection causes pain. A benefit of a discogram is that it enables
the spine surgeon to determine the disc level that is causing pain.
And if surgery is necessary, discography helps ensure a successful surgery and reduces the risk
of operating on the wrong disc.
- Injections - These can act as a
bridge to physical therapy by relieving back pain and providing the
physician with important information about your problem.
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Treatment
Unlike muscles which can heal somewhat quickly, a torn or degenerated
disc heals more slowly. The good news is that in many cases, the pain
and inflammation originating from damaged discs can be treated nonsurgically
by reducing the inflammation and by strengthening the musculature surrounding
the damaged disc to give it more support.
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FAQ
What is degenerative disc disease?
A natural byproduct of aging is the loss of resiliency in spinal discs
and a greater tendency for them to herniate, especially when placed under
a weighty load, such as when we lift heavy objects. Additionally, some people
have a family history of degenerative disc disease, which increases their
own risk of developing it. When a natural disc herniates or becomes badly
degenerated, it loses its shock-absorbing ability, which can narrow the
space between vertebrae.
 Who is a candidate for an artificial
disc?
Patients with a diseased disc between L4 and L5 or between L5 and S1 (all
in the lower back) that is worn out or has become injured and causes back
pain are candidates for an artificial disc. Other candidates include
those with degenerative disc disease (DDD) whose vertebrae have
moved less than 3mm. Your physician will help you determine whether or
not an artificial disc is a good choice for you. Factors that will be
considered include your activity level, weight, occupation and allergies.
What are the benefits of an artificial
disc?
Generally speaking, those who receive artificial disc replacements return
to activity sooner than traditional fusion patients. Also, because there
is no need to harvest bone from the patient’s hip, there is no discomfort
or recovery associated with a second incision site. Some of the overall
benefits of artificial disc surgery include:
- Retains movement and stability of the spine
- Prevents degeneration of surrounding segments
- No bone graft required
- Quicker recovery and return to work
- Less invasive and painful than a fusion
- Reduces pain associated with disc disease
What are the downsides of an artificial disc?
Just as artificial hips and knees forever changed how degenerative knee and hip joints were repaired, artificial discs promise to restore mobility to degenerative discs. But there is a lot you need to know about the pros and cons.
Most artificial disc designs have plates that attach to the vertebrae and a rotational component that fits between these fixation plates. These components are typically designed to withstand stress and rotational forces over long periods of time. Still, like any man-made material, they can be affected by wear and tear, and damage from excessive loads.
Key risks:
- It is possible that the man-made disc may wear out in about 10 years and need replacement.
- The load placed on the metal disc from the trunk (especially if the person is overweight) can accelerate wear and damage to the disc. The load placed on neck discs, however, is viewed to be less.
- Revision surgery to replace the damaged artificial disc in the lumbar area is viewed by most surgeons as complex. Revision surgery on artificial discs in the neck is less complex.
- Risks of complications from surgeons who have little training or experience in artificial disc.
All of this underscores how important it is for the patient to be well informed. You need to ask how proficient is the surgeon at artificial disc surgery. How many have they done? Are they fellowship-trained?
What caused my disc to herniate?
Herniated discs can occur as a result of a heavy strain or fall, which
causes the nucleus to break through the wall of the disc and place pressure
on the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord. For example, lifting
a heavy object after sitting down for a long period of time can cause
a disc to herniate.
What is the best way to treat a herniated
disc?
Non-surgical treatment methods are generally the best option to try first.
This will most likely involve working with a physical therapist who will
develop a customized exercise program involving specific stretches and
extension movements for you.
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