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Three Basic Types of Herniated Discs

Dec 1, 2018

herniated disc symptoms

Back pain can lead to a lot of problems in your future. This is especially true if you don’t know what is causing your back pain. While there are a lot of causes of back pain, herniated discs are actually much more common than you might expect. Whether or not you have a history with herniated discs, you should know a little bit about what is causing you to be in so much pain.

There are three basic types of herniated discs that could be causing your back pain. Depending on the severity of these herniations, you may find that you need to schedule orthopedic spine surgery in Suffolk County, NY. The specialists at Peconic Bay Medical Center can help you learn about what is causing your back problems and how you can overcome herniated discs. If you aren’t sure what a herniated disc is, check out these three common types of herniated discs to learn more.

Contained Herniation (Protrusion)

Contained herniations are often referred to as “bulging discs.” They are caused when there is pressure between the vertebrae that causes the discs to protrude outward. While there is back pain associated with these types of herniations, they can often go unnoticed. The back pain that is usually associated with contained herniations is generally mild, and is caused by the discs being compressed by the vertebrae and puts pressure on the nearby nerves.

Non-Contained Herniation (Disc Extrusion)

A non-contained herniation is often referred to as disc extrusions. These herniations generally cause extensive back pain. They can also be associated with numbness or tingling in the extremities, because they put so much pressure on the nerves that are near them. While this pain can sometimes be severe, if you have been dealing with chronic back pain, you may try to ignore it. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or ask for a referral to an orthopedic specialist to see if you need to take further steps to ensure that you keep your back and spine healthy.

herniated disc treatment

Sequestered Herniation

In general, when non-contained herniations go unnoticed or untreated, they can cause sequestered herniations. This is when the vertebrae compress the discs so forcefully that they rupture. This can cause intense pain for the patient, and oftentimes a loss of mobility. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, be sure to consult your doctor immediately.

When it comes to back pain, you want to make sure you identify the cause right away. If you're having trouble associated with herniations, be sure to ask your doctor about your options. If necessary, ask your doctor to refer you to an orthopedic specialist at Peconic Bay Medical Center.