What is the difference between a disc protrusion and extrusion?

A protrusion exists when only a few cartilage rings are torn and there is no actual leakage of the center material; the disc protrusion looks like a “bump”. With an extrusion, all the cartilage rings have torn in a small area, allowing the jelly-like material to flow out of the disc.

How serious is a disc extrusion?

A disc that is extruded can occur in the neck, mid, or lower back, and can cause severe spinal related pain. If the extruded disc is pressing on a nearby nerve root, severe arm or leg pain can result, as well.

What is a disc extrusion?

Disc extrusion occurs when the outer wall of an intervertebral disc tears, causing the inner disc material to seep into the spinal canal. Symptoms of a disc extrusion may vary depending on the location, severity and nature of the extruded disc.

How do you treat a disc extrusion?

9 extruded disc treatments

  1. Rest in the acute phase only (three days or less)
  2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs to ease pain and inflammation.
  3. A balanced diet to lose weight or maintain a healthy body-mass index.
  4. Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the core that supports your back.

Can disc extrusion heal without surgery?

When the centre or nucleus of a disc pushes out and even passes through the wall of the disc, this is what we refer to as a herniated disc. The good news is that the vast majority of herniated discs can be treated without surgery using manual therapy and exercise or with IDD Therapy disc treatment.

Can a disc protrusion heal?

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.

Can a disc extrusion heal on its own?

Treatment Overview 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. For more information, see Home Treatment.

Is walking good for herniated disc?

Walking is an excellent choice for patients with herniated discs, as it stimulates blood flow and oxygen to the cells. It also helps keep your discs hydrated, which is important for healing. Other low-impact aerobic activities to try are swimming and cycling.

What causes disc protrusion?

Disc protrusion is often associated with a herniated disc and bulging disc, because they are both forms of protruding discs. Disc protrusion is most often caused by the natural degeneration process of the spine.

What is the difference between Bulge and protrusion?

The basic difference between a bulge and a protrusion is that a bulge is a circumferential out-pouching, whereby a protrusion is usually more specific and localized to one side or the other.

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.