Is disc protrusion the same as extrusion?

Is disc protrusion the same as extrusion?

A protrusion exists when only a few cartilage rings are torn and there is no actual leakage of the center material; the disc protrusion looks like a “bump”. With an extrusion, all the cartilage rings have torn in a small area, allowing the jelly-like material to flow out of the disc.

Is a disc extrusion serious?

A disc extrusion is a type of severe disc herniation. It happens when the center – or nucleus – of an intervertebral disc escapes from the center of the disc. A disc that is extruded can occur in the neck, mid, or lower back, and can cause severe spinal related pain.

How do you treat a disc extrusion?

Disc extrusions have been safely treated with surgery for years. The most common surgery used is spinal fusion. With spinal fusion, the goal is to remove the herniated part of the disc.

Does a disc extrusion require surgery?

Microdiscectomy is the surgical method used to treat extrusions and sequestrations. It is actually more effective for treating leg pain (also known as radiculopathy) than lower back pain. It can be performed on an out-patient basis and requires general anesthesia.

Can disc extrusion heal without surgery?

When the centre or nucleus of a disc pushes out and even passes through the wall of the disc, this is what we refer to as a herniated disc. The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment.

How long does it take for a disc extrusion to heal?

The average amount of time it takes for a herniated disk to heal is four to six weeks, but it can get better within a few days depending on how severe the herniation was and where it occurred. The biggest factor in healing a herniated disk is time, because most often it will resolve on its own.

Can you recover from disc extrusion?

A Common Form of Disc Deterioration 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.

Can a disc extrusion get worse?

An untreated herniated disk can get worse. That’s especially true if you continue the activities that caused it — for instance, if it developed because of your work. A worsening ruptured disk may cause chronic (ongoing) pain and loss of control or sensation in the affected area.

Can you work with a disc extrusion?

With herniated discs, you would not be able to perform a variety of job tasks. You can’t work in construction, manufacturing, or warehouse jobs because they require regular reaching, lifting, and carrying. Your limited mobility and pain would make those activities impossible.

Is L4-L5 disc bulge serious?

Most importantly, an L4-L5 disc bulge can lead to prolonged pain and other, more serious conditions like spondylolisthesis if you delay treatment. Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra shifts or slips, and can cause significant pain that may require surgery to fix.

Can a disc extrusion heal itself?

Many extruded discs heal by themselves over the course of several weeks or months. Your doctor will probably recommend conservative treatments to aid the healing process.