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Guide to Central Disc Protrusion (Herniation)

Central disc protrusion is a type of herniated bulging disc affects the spinal cord and could possibly result in nervous system disorders, such as radiating pain and muscle weakness as well as other symptoms stemming from nerve irritation. Unlike a standard herniated or bulging disc that expands frontward or to either side, a central disc protrusion or herniation expands backward (posterior) into the center of the spinal canal where the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots are located.

If one of these nerve roots is compressed, serious central disc protrusion symptoms can occur, such as:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Radiating or traveling pain along the nerve
  • The sensation of heat or pins and needles
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs or feet
  • Incontinence (in emergency cases)

Causes of Central Disc Protrusion

Central disc protrusion results from a number of circumstances, ranging from avoidable causes to unavoidable traumas. The most common causes include:

More often than not, a central disc protrusion is a result of the natural deterioration of the spine over time. As the spine ages and endures years of bending, twisting and compression from weight gain, the discs in the spine are steadily squeezed. These discs support the vertebrae of the spine and cushion them, allowing them to bend and move without impacting each other. As the pressure on the vertebrae and discs continue, a disc may be forced to flatten and protrude outward. In the case of a central disc protrusion, the disc expands backward into the spinal canal.

Central Disc Protrusion (Herniation) Treatment Options

If you’re experiencing chronic pain and limited mobility because the herniated disc is pressing on a nerve root in the spinal canal, you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about treatment options. Many doctors will begin with a series of conservative treatments designed to reduce your symptoms while the body tries to heal itself.

If after several months you are still in pain, contact USA Spine Care and ask about our minimally invasive spine surgery. Our procedures are often the clinically appropriate alternative to traditional open spine surgery. To treat your condition, our surgeons will remove the portion of the disc that is compressing the nerve root and causing your pain through a decompression surgery. In some cases, the entire disc must be removed and replaced with an artificial disc and bone grafts during a stabilization surgery.

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