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Disc Displacement

Spine Surgery  /  Conditions We Treat / Disc Displacement

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Disc displacement, commonly known as a herniated or slipped disc, is a condition that can significantly impact your daily life and a common cause of lower back pain. According to global health research, back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting millions of people each year.1 When a spinal disc shifts out of place, it can compress nearby nerves, leading to discomfort, limited mobility, and even chronic and severe pain.

At DFW Spine & Pain Institute, serving the Dallas-Fort Worth, TX area, our spine specialists excel in diagnosing and treating disc displacement to help you regain comfort and mobility. Our team provides comprehensive, personalized care to address your specific needs and improve your quality of life.

What is Disc Displacement?

Disc displacement occurs when the soft, gel-like center of an intervertebral disc (nucleus pulposus) pushes through a tear in its tough outer layer (annulus fibrosus). This can place pressure on nearby spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness. While it can happen anywhere along the spine, it’s most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine).2

Types of Disc Displacement

Disc displacements vary based on the severity and location of the disc material protrusion. Common types include:

  • Bulging Disc: The disc protrudes outward but remains intact.
  • Herniated Disc: In disc herniation, a tear in the annulus fibrosus allows part of the nucleus pulposus to escape.
  • Ruptured Disc: A more severe form of herniation where the nucleus pulposus fully escapes the disc, potentially entering the spinal canal and compressing nerves.
  • Prolapsed Disc: Similar to a herniated disc, where the nucleus pulposus moves into the spinal canal.
  • Extruded Disc: The nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus but remains connected to the disc.
  • Sequestered Disc: A fragment of the nucleus pulposus breaks free and enters the spinal canal.

Symptoms of Disc Displacement

Symptoms depend on the location and severity of the displacement and may include:

  • Pain: Sharp or radiating back pain, neck pain, arm and leg pain.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Sensation changes in the affected areas.
  • Weakness: Muscle weakness, affecting mobility or grip strength.
  • Loss of Reflexes: Diminished reflexes in the affected limbs.

In severe cases, disc displacement can lead to loss of bowel or bladder control, requiring immediate medical attention.3

What Causes Disc Displacement?

Common causes of disc displacement include:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD): A condition where spinal discs deteriorate over time, leading to instability and increased risk of displacement.
  • Age-Related Degeneration: Discs lose flexibility and hydration over time, increasing susceptibility to tears.
  • Trauma or Injury: Sudden impacts or heavy lifting can cause disc damage.
  • Repetitive Strain: Continuous overuse or improper mechanics can weaken discs.
  • Genetics: A family history of disc problems may increase risk.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, lack of exercise, and poor posture can contribute to disc degeneration.

Diagnosing Disc Displacement

A proper diagnosis of disc displacement begins with a thorough evaluation of medical history and symptoms. Physicians may conduct a physical examination to assess reflexes, muscle strength, and mobility. Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans provide detailed views of the spine to confirm the presence and severity of disc displacement. In some cases, electromyography (EMG) may be used to evaluate nerve function and detect possible nerve damage. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Treatment for Disc Displacement

At DFW Spine & Pain Institute, we offer a range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs:

Non-Surgical Treatments for Disc Displacement

  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
  • Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to manage symptoms.
  • Epidural Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  • Nerve Blocks: Targeted injections to block pain signals.
  • Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy: A minimally invasive procedure that disrupts nerve signals to relieve pain.
  • Rhizotomy: A procedure that severs nerve roots to reduce pain.
  • Ketamine Therapy: An emerging option for managing chronic pain by modulating nerve signaling pathways.
  • Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: Uses magnetic fields to stimulate peripheral nerves, reducing pain and improving nerve function.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Non-invasive therapy using magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in pain perception.

Spine Surgery for Disc Displacement

When non-surgical treatments do not provide adequate pain relief, a board-certified spine surgeon at DFW Spine & Pain Institute may perform one of the following procedures:

  • Microdiscectomy: Removal of the herniated portion of the disc.
  • Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra to relieve pressure.
  • Spinal Fusion Surgery: Joining two vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
  • Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery: Replacing a damaged disc with an artificial disc to maintain neck mobility.
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Implanting a small device near the spinal cord to send mild electrical pulses that disrupt pain signals before reaching the brain.

Our team will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment based on your specific condition and lifestyle.

FAQs About Disc Displacement

Can disc displacement heal on its own?

In some cases, symptoms may improve with rest, physical therapy, and time. However, medical evaluation is essential to determine the appropriate course of action.

Is surgery always necessary for disc displacement?

No, surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if there is significant nerve compression causing severe symptoms.

How can I prevent disc displacement?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, proper lifting techniques, good posture, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk.

Contact Us

If you’re experiencing symptoms of disc displacement, don’t wait to seek help. At DFW Spine & Pain Institute in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, our dedicated team is here to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.

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Citations

1 World Health Organization. Back Pain. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20low%20back%20pain,another%20part%20of%20the%20body. Accessed February 12, 2025.
2 Mayo Clinic. Herniated Disc. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/symptoms-causes/syc-20354095. Accessed February 12, 2025.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Herniated Disc. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12768-herniated-disk. Accessed February 12, 2025.

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