To really understand what a bulging disc is, it is important to know the classifications used to describe the disc lesions. There are several distinct diagnoses commonly encountered like disc prolapse, slipped disc, ruptured disc and disc herniation. TDC Therapy and treatment will vary based on the level of disc pathology. No one treatment protocol is right for all patients. Disc Force doctors utilize specific TDC protocols to work on your specific problem.
Disc Herniation is most commonly diagnosed by MRI studies. If you have had an MRI please bring a copy of your pictures and your doctor's report upon your visit. Disc Force doctors work with all disciplines to provide the best treatment possible
The terms "disc bulge" or "herniation" are not uncommon with back pain or sciatica. It is these types of problems that usually receive excellent results utilizing Disc Force and TDC Therapy. The terms "bulge" or "herniation" imply that a bulge, rupture or a tear of the annular fibers occurs allowing the migration of nuclear material beyond the vertebral margin. The nuclear material may protrude and cause a distention of the outer annulus fibrosis or rupture through the annulus and extrude behind the posterior ligament.
Four classifications exist to describe disc lesions
1. Annular bulge 2. Protrusion (Herniation) 3. Extrusion 4. Free Disc Fragment (Sequestration).
The annular bulge or disc bulge is a small disc herniation that often does not directly contact the nerve root. If left untreated it can easily progress to a larger degree of nuclear protrusion, or a more severe disc problem. This is a result of the loss of the annular fibers to contain the nucleus of the disc, thus a bulge. Degeneration will predispose annular fibers to failure following trauma. Often repeated activity can cause the disc to continue to bulge. The earlier any disc lesion is detected, often the easier it is corrected.
Disc bulges are most often called protrusions and herniations are a form of DDD or Degenerative Disc Disease. A disc herniation represents a rupture of nuclear material through a defect in annulus, producing a focal extension of the disc or a broad-based extension of the disc margin. Intervertebral disc herniations result in some degree from central canal or foraminal blockage or occlusion. Commonly, this is the result of severe, often radiating pain which can occur in the arm or leg.
Once the disc migrates through the outer annular fibers this is called disk bulge or an extrusion from its natural, innate position. When the nucleus pulposus, fibrocartilage, and end plate cartilage is compromised, this can lead to a sequelae of neropathy, discopathy, pain and disability. Disc bulges, herniation or any type of extrusion ultimately compress the root, cord or both and can cause radiculopathy.
Free disc fragment (Sequestered Disc) refers to an annular separation and migration of a piece of disc material. This migration of material usually results in specific pain. Often seen in Cauda Equina Syndrome, they are common with intradural migration. This is when you lose control of bowel and bladder function. This is an emergency situation and usually requires surgery to correct the problem. If you have loss of bowel or bladder function, contact your medical provider immediately.
The most common area of disc pain is in the lumbar spine, specifically the lower lumbar vertabrae L4, L5. However any segment is vulnerable to trauma. The pressure causes the disc material inside the disc to "bulge" or "slip" out of place. Imagine a marshmallow cookie. If you squeeze one end the other will protrude or bulge. The bulge itself puts pressure on the nerves (usually the spinal nerves). The spinal nerve is very sensitive. Even a small amount of pressure causes the nerve to dysfunction.
Neck or cervical problems resulting from trauma are also associated with disc pathology. Any disc is vulnerable to trauma. Disc Force and TDC Therapy can isolate the segment. If it is in the lower cervical region C5, C6, C7, herniations of this level may cause cervicobrachial syndrome or symptoms like headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or weakness in the arms or a burning sensation in the arms.
Disc desiccation is when the annular fibers degenerate due to dehydration. One preventative step is to drink as much water as you can if you feel you have or are developing a disc herniation. Disc Force doctors recommend drinking 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.
Disc Herniation is most commonly diagnosed by MRI studies. If you have had an MRI please bring a copy of your pictures and your doctor's report upon your visit. Disc Force doctors work with all disciplines to provide the best treatment possible
The terms "disc bulge" or "herniation" are not uncommon with back pain or sciatica. It is these types of problems that usually receive excellent results utilizing Disc Force and TDC Therapy. The terms "bulge" or "herniation" imply that a bulge, rupture or a tear of the annular fibers occurs allowing the migration of nuclear material beyond the vertebral margin. The nuclear material may protrude and cause a distention of the outer annulus fibrosis or rupture through the annulus and extrude behind the posterior ligament.
Four classifications exist to describe disc lesions
1. Annular bulge 2. Protrusion (Herniation) 3. Extrusion 4. Free Disc Fragment (Sequestration).
The annular bulge or disc bulge is a small disc herniation that often does not directly contact the nerve root. If left untreated it can easily progress to a larger degree of nuclear protrusion, or a more severe disc problem. This is a result of the loss of the annular fibers to contain the nucleus of the disc, thus a bulge. Degeneration will predispose annular fibers to failure following trauma. Often repeated activity can cause the disc to continue to bulge. The earlier any disc lesion is detected, often the easier it is corrected.
Disc bulges are most often called protrusions and herniations are a form of DDD or Degenerative Disc Disease. A disc herniation represents a rupture of nuclear material through a defect in annulus, producing a focal extension of the disc or a broad-based extension of the disc margin. Intervertebral disc herniations result in some degree from central canal or foraminal blockage or occlusion. Commonly, this is the result of severe, often radiating pain which can occur in the arm or leg.
Once the disc migrates through the outer annular fibers this is called disk bulge or an extrusion from its natural, innate position. When the nucleus pulposus, fibrocartilage, and end plate cartilage is compromised, this can lead to a sequelae of neropathy, discopathy, pain and disability. Disc bulges, herniation or any type of extrusion ultimately compress the root, cord or both and can cause radiculopathy.
Free disc fragment (Sequestered Disc) refers to an annular separation and migration of a piece of disc material. This migration of material usually results in specific pain. Often seen in Cauda Equina Syndrome, they are common with intradural migration. This is when you lose control of bowel and bladder function. This is an emergency situation and usually requires surgery to correct the problem. If you have loss of bowel or bladder function, contact your medical provider immediately.
The most common area of disc pain is in the lumbar spine, specifically the lower lumbar vertabrae L4, L5. However any segment is vulnerable to trauma. The pressure causes the disc material inside the disc to "bulge" or "slip" out of place. Imagine a marshmallow cookie. If you squeeze one end the other will protrude or bulge. The bulge itself puts pressure on the nerves (usually the spinal nerves). The spinal nerve is very sensitive. Even a small amount of pressure causes the nerve to dysfunction.
Neck or cervical problems resulting from trauma are also associated with disc pathology. Any disc is vulnerable to trauma. Disc Force and TDC Therapy can isolate the segment. If it is in the lower cervical region C5, C6, C7, herniations of this level may cause cervicobrachial syndrome or symptoms like headaches, shoulder pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or weakness in the arms or a burning sensation in the arms.
Disc desiccation is when the annular fibers degenerate due to dehydration. One preventative step is to drink as much water as you can if you feel you have or are developing a disc herniation. Disc Force doctors recommend drinking 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.
