Extruded DiscThe slight technical difference between a rupture and an extrusion (semantics) is the definitive proof that some or all of the nucleus has left the disc structure in the case of an extrusion, while in a rupture, this is implied but not always imaged. Technically, the disc nucleus can remain inside the disc, even if it ruptures, although this seldom, if ever, occurs. Contained Extruded Disc
Contained extrusions are really just severe herniations in which the inner nucleus material begins to leak out of the outer disc wall. However, the nucleus material does not separate from the disc structure and the entire disc remains in a single, albeit badly damaged, piece. Extrusions generally might be more symptomatic than
disc bulges
when they first occur, especially if they are caused by trauma, rather than simple degeneration. Contained extrusions can enact pain through the processes of
spinal stenosis,
foraminal stenosis
or
chemical radiculitis.
However, most contained extrusions are completely asymptomatic or only temporarily symptomatic. Uncontained Disc ExtrusionAn uncontained extrusion is also sometimes called a sequestered disc. This means that the inner nucleus which leaked out of the outer disc wall has separated completely from the disc structure and became free to move about inside the body. Although this spilled nucleus typically does not go very far, sequestered discs are often blamed for causing a greater percentage of chemical radiculitis symptoms than contained ruptures. In time, both contained and uncontained extrusions can calcify, often stabilizing the disc and preventing further degeneration.Extruded Disc AdviceRuptured discs sound about as scary as a diagnosis can be. However, there is little proof that they are any more dangerous or painful than bulging discs. Many people experience a rupture due to normal spinal degeneration and never even know about the disc damage. Other people suffer a spontaneous rupture from extreme trauma and typically experience pain (which might be very severe at times…) for 6 to 8 weeks.Many extrusions, like other forms of herniations, resolve without formal medical treatment or with conservative back care practices. Herniated disc surgery should be avoided if at all possible, since operations generally demonstrate poor results for permanently ending disc pain in most patients. To learn more about your specific type of disc pathology, talk to your doctors and have them clarify the diagnosis according to the terms you now fully understand. Extruded Disc to Back Pain 1/6/10 Revised 12/28/11 |
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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