Disc Injuries

Your spine is made up of strong bones (vertebrae) and spinal discs. These discs act like spacers between the bones to stop them from rubbing together, and they give the spine flexibility and mobility.
Intervertebral discs are very strong. However, like any other body part, they’re subject to injury. Here’s what you should know about disc injuries and what treatment options are available.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF DISC INJURIES?
All spinal discs have a tough, fibrous outer membrane and an elastic, gel-like center. When there’s damage to either the membrane or the center, you could experience pain and nerve irritation.
The type of disc injury depends on the severity of the damage to the intervertebral disc. The most common types of disc injuries, however, are a herniated disc or a bulging disc. Although the terms “bulging disc” and “herniated disc” are often used interchangeably, they are different disc injuries.
Bulging Disc
A disc “bulges” when the gel-like core starts to push against the membrane. The outer membrane hasn’t ruptured and there’s no gel leaking into surrounding structures.
Herniated Disc
Sometimes, the outer membrane ruptures and the gel leaks into the spinal canal. This is known as a disc herniation or herniated disc.
Disc injuries can also wear down over time as part of the aging process. This is known as degenerative disc disease. Other spinal conditions linked to disc injuries include:
• Stenosis
• Sciatica
• Radiculopathy
• Myelopathy
WHAT CAUSES DISC INJURIES?
Disc injuries are more common as you age; discs start to become more fragile as they lose their water content over time.
Certain movements or trauma can also cause a disc injury, like twisting or lifting heavy objects. Athletes and people with physically demanding jobs may be more at risk of developing disc injuries like a herniated disc or bulging disc over time.

WHAT DOES A DAMAGED DISC FEEL LIKE?
Disc injuries such as a mild disc bulge may not cause noticeable symptoms. A damaged disc can, however, put pressure on the nerves and muscles around it. Symptoms of a disc injury include:
• Back or neck pain
• Pain radiating down the leg or arm
• Burning, tingling, or shooting pains in the arm or leg
• Muscle weakness or numbness
The symptoms depend on the disc affected. However, seek urgent medical attention if you have:
• Tingling or numbness in the genital area
• Sciatica or pain in both legs
• Changes to bowel and/or bladder habits
• Sudden increase in pain and muscle weakness
• Numbness in the buttocks, area around the rectum, or inner thighs (the “saddle” area)
These symptoms could indicate a more severe nerve compression which should be treated urgently.

CAN A DAMAGED DISC HEAL?
Muscles and soft tissues can often heal but disc injuries are likely to be permanent. Once a disc is injured it can never again function normally, however with treatment the pain can resolve, reduce, or wax and wane with time. The pain from minor spinal injuries normal resolves within 4-6 weeks with conservative care. When the injury symptoms persistent beyond three months, more intensive treatment including injections of surgery may be required to prevent chronic pain or nerve damage. Your specialist can give you more advice on the treatment options available for your conditions after ordering appropriate tests.
HOW DO YOU TREAT DISC INJURIES?
Disc injuries themselves cannot heal spontaneously because of the nature of the anatomy. But symptoms from minor injuries often respond to conservative treatment. When they do not, injections or surgical options may be considered. This may include a discectomy in which the damaged part of the disc is removed, a disc replacement, or more advanced procedures to stabilize the spine while protecting sensitive structures. The treatment depends upon the nature of the injury and the location of the disc. For example, cervical disc replacement or lumbar fusion may be required for a severe disc injury. To discuss your treatment options, contact our specialist team today.