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Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), more commonly known as a herniated disc or slipped disc, is a common result of the natural aging process and occurs when a disc in the spine breaks open and leaks its gel-like center into the spinal canal. The symptoms of HNP occur if a piece of the damaged disc or nucleus presses against a nerve root in the spinal canal or the spinal cord itself.
Because HNP often occurs as a result of the natural weakening of the spine, the symptoms typically start gradually and worsen over time. If you are able to identify the symptoms quickly, you can work with your doctor to find treatment options to help you relieve your pain and get back to your active lifestyle. To learn about the causes of HNP and methods to relieve your symptoms, read the following article.
A herniated disc, or HNP, is often caused by the gradual breakdown of the discs in the spine. While this alone does not cause symptoms, the damaged disc can press against a nearby nerve root, which can cause nerve compression, pain and discomfort. The discs in the spine, which are soft and spongy bodies, lose elasticity over the years and can collapse, bulge or otherwise deform.
While this can occur naturally with time, both injuries and physically strenuous jobs also can take a toll on the discs. Sometimes, disc deformation will progress to the point that the gel-like inner material of the disc pushes through the outer layer of the disc and into the spinal canal. This is a herniated nucleus pulposus.
HNP symptoms can vary, but commonly include:
These symptoms can appear at the location of the herniated disc or throughout the nerve pathway into the nearest arm or leg.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a herniated disc or HNP, your doctor can begin treatment by recommending a series of nonsurgical therapies to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. The most common nonsurgical treatments include:
These treatments generally take several weeks or months before lasting effects can take place.
If you’re still suffering after the conservative treatment regimen has been completed, you should contact USA Spine Care for information about our minimally invasive spine surgery. We offer a shorter recovery period and a lower risk of complication compared to traditional open spine procedures designed to treat a herniated disc or HNP.^
Our procedures are a safer and effective alternative to traditional open back surgery^ because we do not require a large incision or muscle detachment. Instead, our minimally invasive surgery is performed through a small incision and that does not unnecessarily disrupt the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine.
The minimally invasive decompression surgery performed by our board-certified surgeons+ removes pressure on the pinched nerve in the spine by cutting out a small piece of the damaged disc. If the disc is so damaged that it can no longer support the surrounding vertebrae, a stabilization surgery may be needed to remove the disc and insert an artificial one in its place.
To find out if you are a potential candidate for our minimally invasive spine surgery, reach out to USA Spine Care today and ask for a free MRI review.* We’ve helped more than 75,000 patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain since 2005, and we are confident we can help you on your journey to wellness.