What is a Disc Herniation?
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a spinal disc leaks out through a tear in the outer layer. This condition is often associated with significant pain, numbness, and tingling, particularly when the herniation compresses surrounding nerves. Herniated discs can develop due to injury, improper lifting techniques, or natural wear and tear over time.
Disc herniation is a broad term that encompasses both protrusions and extrusions. It refers to any condition where the inner material of the disc extends beyond its normal boundaries, potentially compressing nearby structures.
A herniation could be mild (protrusion) or severe (extrusion or even sequestration, where the extruded material detaches from the disc entirely).
Disc Protrusion
Disc protrusion happens when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes against its outer layer without fully rupturing it.
The disc maintains its integrity, but it bulges out, potentially pressing on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Protrusions are typically less severe than extrusions and may cause mild to moderate symptoms like localized pain or minor nerve compression.
In a protrusion, the base of the herniation (the area where it connects to the main disc) is wider than the distance it extends outward. The shape is often described as a "broad-based" bulge.
This condition can compress spinal nerves or the spinal cord, resulting in pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected areas. Disc protrusion often develops due to poor posture, repetitive strain, accidents, injuries or age-related degeneration.
Disc Extrusion
Disc extrusion is a more advanced stage where the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus, but the material remains attached to the main body of the disc.
This condition is more likely to cause nerve impingement, leading to significant symptoms like sharp pain, numbness, and weakness, often in specific areas related to the affected nerve root.
Extrusions are considered a more severe form of herniation and may require more intensive treatment.
In an extrusion, the length of the herniation (how far it extends outward) is greater than the width of its base. This gives it a more "pinched" or "necked" appearance.
Your Path to Recovery
Robotic Class 4 Laser Spinal Decompression is a new therapy for patients suffering from chronic neck and low back pain. This treatment utilizes the two of the most technologically advanced treatments for back and neck pain, Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression and Class 4 Medical Laser Therapy.
- It helps to re-establish disc height, reduces bulging and disc herniation using Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Treatments.
- It reduces pain, helping to heal the damaged discs, associated nerves, ligament, and muscle tissues through the simultaneous application of High Intensity Class 4 Medical Laser Therapy optimizing recovery and minimizing the chances of the disc injury relapsing. Increased cell healing and microcirculation achieved by the laser around the damaged area also helps aid the reduction of inflammation, the shrinking and re-absorption (breakdown) of herniated disc material that may be causing compression on and irritation to the spinal and peripheral nerves.
- The simultaneous application of High Intensity Class 4 Medical Laser Therapy achieves a more comfortable and complete Spinal Decompression treatment than traditional decompression methods. It does this by concurrently softening and relaxing tight and damaged muscle tissue that may otherwise interfere with the achievement of an effective spine and muscle stretch which is one of the treatment goals of spinal decompression. By relaxing this tissue and simultaneously healing, it we can achieve greater space between the spinal bones during the decompression stretch. This releases more pressure from the discs and nerves and allows the laser dosage to pass more easily to the deeper disc and nerve structures as the spinal bones are effectively pulled out of the way.
What to Expect
- Decreased Pain and Inflammation
- Better Mobility
- Improved Quality of Life
Best For
Individuals suffering from Disc Bulges, Herniations, Degeneration, Osteoarthritis, Spinal Stenosis, Spondylolisthesis, Sciatica
Why Choose Laser Spinal Decompression Clinic?
Our clinic is dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. With advanced techniques and a focus on holistic healing, we aim to empower you on your journey to health and wellness.