Lumbar disc protrusion, often referred to as a slipped disc or herniated disc, is a common spinal condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. To understand lumbar disc protrusion, one must grasp its development, progression, and the role of disc annulus fissures in its occurrence.

The lumbar spine consists of vertebrae stacked on top of one another, with intervertebral discs acting as cushions between them. These discs are composed of a tough outer layer called the annulus fibrosus and a soft gel-like inner core known as the nucleus pulposus. Over time, wear and tear, injury, or repetitive stress can lead to the weakening of the annulus fibrosus, resulting in small tears or fissures.

As these fissures develop, they create weak points in the disc’s structure, making it more susceptible to protrusion or herniation. With continued pressure or strain on the spine, the nucleus pulposus may begin to push through the weakened areas of the annulus fibrosus, causing the disc to bulge outward or even rupture.

The progression of a lumbar disc protrusion can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the initial injury, individual anatomy, and lifestyle choices. Initially, individuals may experience mild to moderate back pain, which can worsen with certain movements or activities. As the protrusion progresses, it can lead to symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs due to compression of nearby nerves.

Common Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Protrusion Include:

1. Lower back pain: Pain in the lower back is often the primary symptom of lumbar disc protrusion. The pain may be dull or sharp and may worsen with certain movements or activities. Low back pain may also radiate into the buttock region(s).
2. Radicular pain: This type of pain radiates from the lower back into one or both legs. It can vary in intensity and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg(s).
3. Sciatica: Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. It can cause shooting or burning pain, often starting in the buttocks and traveling down the leg.
4. Numbness or tingling: Lumbar disc protrusion can compress nearby nerves, leading to sensations of numbness or tingling in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
5. Weakness: Muscle weakness may occur in the legs or feet due to nerve compression caused by the protruding disc. This weakness can affect mobility and coordination.
6. Difficulty walking: Lumbar disc protrusion may cause difficulty walking or changes in gait due to pain, weakness, or numbness in the legs.
7. Bowel or bladder dysfunction: In severe cases where the protruding disc compresses the spinal cord, individuals may experience difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function. This requires immediate medical attention.

Disc protrusions can occur in different locations within the individual discs, each with its own set of symptoms and potential complications. Central disc protrusions occur when the nucleus pulposus pushes directly backward (in the midline) into the spinal canal, potentially compressing the spinal cord and causing symptoms such as difficulty walking or controlling bowel or bladder function. 

Paracentral disc protrusions occur off to one side of the midline into the central canal, often affecting a specific nerve root as it passes by on its way to a lower level of the spine. This can lead to symptoms such as sciatica, characterized by pain that radiates down one leg.

Lateral disc protrusions involve the disc pushing out to the side of the spinal canal, potentially impinging on nearby nerve as it exits the spine at that level causing symptoms similar to paracentral protrusions.

Foraminal disc protrusions occur when the disc bulges far to the side and into the neural foramen, the opening through which nerve roots exit the spinal canal. This can lead to intense symptoms of pain, numbness, or weakness in the territory of the affected nerve.

Despite the differences in location, all types of disc protrusions are ultimately caused by disc annulus fissures weakening the structural integrity of the disc.

Traditional treatments for lumbar disc protrusion focus on relieving symptoms and may include rest, physical therapy, pain medication, steroid injections, or surgery. However, these treatments often provide only temporary relief and cannot address the underlying cause of the problem—the disc annulus fissures.

Discseel offers a revolutionary approach to treating lumbar disc protrusions by targeting the underlying cause. This minimally invasive procedure involves injecting a biologic fibrin sealant directly into the damaged disc, sealing the annulus fibrosus and promoting healing from within.

Benefits of Discseel Include:

1. Non-surgical: Unlike traditional spine surgery, Discseel is a non-surgical procedure that does not require incisions, which reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery time.
2. Targeted treatment: Discseel specifically targets the damaged area of the disc, sealing the fissures and preventing further protrusion or herniation.
3. Long-term relief: By addressing the underlying cause of lumbar disc protrusion, Discseel offers the potential for long-term pain relief, improves function and restores quality of life..
4. Minimal downtime: Patients undergoing Discseel typically experience minimal downtime and can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
5. Conservative approach: Discseel provides a conservative alternative to traditional spine surgery, offering relief for patients who may not be candidates for or prefer to avoid surgical intervention.

Lumbar disc protrusion is a common spinal condition caused by disc annulus fissures weakening the structure of the intervertebral discs. It can lead to various symptoms and complications depending on the location and severity of the protrusion. While traditional treatments focus on symptom management, Discseel offers a promising solution by addressing the underlying cause and providing long-term relief through a non-surgical approach. Boris Terebuh, MD is Ohio’s first, and most experienced Licensed Discseel provider. Contact our office today at (614) 389-3089 to schedule a consultation to find out if Discseel is right for your lumbar disc protrusions. More information is available on our website:  RegenerativeSpineAndJoint.com