What is a Disc Prolapse?

Your spine is supported by small round pillow-like discs that sit between each vertebra which act as shock absorbers. A disc prolapse or herniated disc occurs when a fragment of the disc’s nucleus is pushed into the spinal canal through a rupture or tear in the outer layer. This herniation pushes against the spinal nerve in the spinal canal and can lead to severe pain. Herniated discs are often a sign of early degeneration and can affect any part of the spine.

What are the symptoms of a Disc Prolapse?

Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary greatly and depend on the size and position of the herniation. If the prolapsed disc is not pressing against a nerve, there may be some dull pain or no pain at all. If a spinal nerve is affected by the herniation, it can cause radiating pain in the limb, weakness or numbness in the area of the body supplied by that nerve. It can cause urinary symptom like incontinence.

What are the causes?

Excessive strain or physical injuries are the most common causes of disc prolapses. Disc material can naturally degenerate over time, causing the connecting ligaments to weaken. As this progresses, even a twisting movement or minor strain can cause the disc to herniate. This makes certain individuals more susceptible to disc problems than others, especially those who have a family history of herniated discs.

How is a Disc Prolapse treated?

The initial treatment for a disc prolapse is normally nonsurgical and conservative. The patient will be recommended to refrain from painful activity for a few weeks to allow the inflammation to reduce. Analgisics prescribed to alleviate the pain. Physical therapy may be necessary in some cases.

Surgery is the better option when conservative treatment is unsuccessful. Surgery is often recommended in the following cases:

• Development of progressive neurological deficits such as numbness or weakness
• If the pain limits regular activity or quality of life
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Loss of normal bladder and bowel functions
• Physical therapy and medication are ineffective

The doctor will determine the appropriate procedure depending on the patient’s condition. Lumbar spine surgery is performed to relieve sciatica and leg pain caused by disc herniation. Cervical spine surgery is performed to relieve symptoms of a cervical prolapsed disc.