Is a central disc protrusion serious?

Is a central disc protrusion serious?

Without proper spine care and treatment, there is a risk that disc protrusion will worsen into a herniated disc or cause long-term back and neck pain. Many cases of protrusion heal on their own within a few weeks with conservative treatment.

How do you treat a central disc protrusion?

Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.

What is the meaning of central disc protrusion?

Cervical disc protrusion, commonly known as disc bulge occurs when the spinal discs and associated ligaments are intact, but may form a bulge that will press on the spinal nerves. This condition causes pain in the neck, shoulder and the arms.

How serious is cervical disc protrusion?

When a Cervical Herniated Disc Is Serious Rarely, a cervical herniated disc’s signs and symptoms may gradually feel worse rather than eventually stabilizing and resolving on its own. If a cervical nerve root remains pinched or inflamed, tingling, numbness, and/or weakness may progress in the arm.

Does a disc protrusion require surgery?

When & How to Seek Medical Care. Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery. With time, the symptoms of sciatica/radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people. The time to improve varies, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

How long does a disc protrusion take to heal?

Self care: In most cases, the pain from a herniated disc will get better within a couple days and completely resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. Restricting your activity, ice/heat therapy, and taking over the counter medications will help your recovery.

What is the difference between a disc bulge and a disc protrusion?

The nucleus presses against the annulus, causing the disc to bulge or prolapse outward. The bulged disc material is still contained within the annulus. But in some cases, the nucleus pushes completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc. This is called a disc herniation or protrusion.

What causes disc protrusion in neck?

Acute injury to the area can cause a bulging disc in the neck. Long-term trauma, such as poor posture or being overweight, can also cause a bulging disc in the neck. These structures in the spine tend to weaken over time, so aging can increase the risk of a bulging disc in the neck.

Is surgery necessary for bulging disc in neck?

Most disc bulges can be treated without resorting to surgery, which is preferable in cases where it is possible. However, it is relatively more likely for a cervical disc bulge to require surgery, because the location of the bulge sometimes makes the condition more urgent.

Do you ever fully recover from a herniated disc?

Usually a herniated disc will heal on its own over time. Be patient, and keep following your treatment plan. If your symptoms don’t get better in a few months, you may want to talk to your doctor about surgery.

What does a small disc protrusion mean?

A disc protrusion is a disease condition that can occur in some vertebrates, including humans, in which the outermost layers of the anulus fibrosus of the intervertebral discs of the spine are intact but bulge when one or more of the discs are under pressure.

Can a disc protrusion heal itself?

Usually a herniated disc heals on its own. So most of the time nonsurgical treatment is tried first, including: Heat or ice, exercise, and other steps at home to help with pain and make your back stronger.

What causes cervical disc protrusion?

The most common cause of a cervical herniated nucleus pulposus is gradual degeneration of the disc, attenuation (weakening) of the posterior annulus fibrosis, and subsequent protrusion of the nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal causing compression of the nerve root. Sometimes the disc injury occurs suddenly because of an accident or trauma.

What is treatment for lumbar disc protrusion?

Massage therapy is a common alternative treatment for both disc protrusion and extrusion. Epidural steroid injections may be used to treat disc protrusions and extrusions. Sometimes caused by disc protrusion, sciatica can lead to pain and numbness down the leg. An extruded disc commonly occurs in the lower or lumbar spine.

What is small central disc protrusion?

Central disc protrusion is a type of herniated bulging disc affects the spinal cord and could possibly result in nervous system disorders, such as radiating pain and muscle weakness as well as other symptoms stemming from nerve irritation.

What is posterior central disc protrusion?

A posterior disc herniation is damage that occurs in the lower lumbar area of the spine, which is the lower portion of the back. The spine is made up of vertebrae, or bones, that are cushioned by discs. One of these discs may become herniated when a portion of its soft center bulges outward.