Disc compression, also known as bulging, burst, slide, prolapsed, or herniated disc, occurs when the nerves exiting one or more discs are subjected to abnormal pressure.

The gelatin-like cushions between the vertebrae become distorted due to degeneration, chronic strain, or a sudden contact with a hard object, resulting in this debilitating and painful disorder.

Compression of the discs can result in severe, persistent back pain or permanent damage to the back and spine.

It can occur anywhere along the spine, but is most likely to affect the lower back or neck.

Some of the causes are:

• Age: Over time, your spinal discs naturally and gradually lose fluid volume
• Trauma: You can overstress a spinal disc when you twist or lift something heavy.
• People of short height are more prone to it.
• Improper diet, smoking habits, automobile accidents or falls are a few other reasons.

Some of the symptoms of Disc compression are:

• A dull ache on one side of the body
• Pain when you cough, sneeze, or move into certain positions
• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, usually from a compressed nerve.
• Pain that's worse with sitting, but standing, walking, and bending can worsen it.
• Muscle weakness or spasm that may affect your ability to lift or hold items
• Balance issues or limping due to weakness and/or pain
• Inability to remain in one position for an extended period of time
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

Dr Vamshi Krishna at Care Hospital, Nampally will perform a “straight leg raise test”. He will ask if there is any numbness, weakness, and slow reflexes.

For proper imaging, tests like MRI, EMG, X-rays, etc. will be done for proper diagnostic information. Treatment can be surgical and non-surgical.

Surgical options include:

Microdiscectomy: This procedure removes portions of the disc as a way to relieve the pressure on the spinal column.

Laminectomy: A portion of the vertebral bone is removed to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves.

Cervical disc replacement: It removes the offending disc and insert either a bone graft (ACDF) or artificial disc (CDR) to stabilize the area.

Non-surgical options include some medications to control the symptoms and pain. You will be encouraged to adopt some healthy lifestyle practices along with targeted treatment like physical therapy.

Dr Vamshi Krishna is one of the best Neurosurgeon s in Nampally, with an experience of handling cases of Disc compression.

Dr Vamshi Krishna is an expert surgeon who will closely monitor the symptoms and develop a personalized plan of action for you. He has treated many such patients and has given them relief.

Book your appointment now by phone or online today.