How do you treat a central disc protrusion?

Physical therapy, exercise and gentle stretching to help relieve pressure on the nerve root. Ice and heat therapy for pain relief. Manipulation (such as chiropractic manipulation) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief.

Can small disc protrusion cause pain?

Depending on where the herniated disk is, it can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg. Many people have no symptoms from a herniated disk. For people who do have symptoms, the symptoms tend to improve over time. Surgery is usually not necessary to relieve the problem.

What does small central disc protrusion mean?

Disc protrusion (also called a bulging disc) is a common back injury that affects intervertebral discs in the spinal column. Intervertebral discs separate vertebrae and provide cushioning, support, movement, and shock absorption in the spine. They’re made up of a tough outer ring enclosing a soft, jelly-like nucleus.

What is focal disc protrusion?

A bulge involves more than half of the circumference of an intervertebral disc (greater than 180 degrees) whereas a disc herniation involves less than half. A focal disc protrusion occur when its base involves less than 90 degrees of the disc circumference.

What is a focal disc protrusion?

Is disc protrusion the same as bulging disc?

The bulged disc material is still contained within the annulus. But in some cases, the nucleus pushes completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc. This is called a disc herniation or protrusion. Herniation and protrusion are two words for the same thing.

What causes central disc protrusion?

The most common cause of disc protrusion is wear and tear over time. As we age, spinal discs become drier, less flexible, compressed, and more prone to tears and injuries. The supportive ligaments begin to loosen and weaken, causing the disc to bulge outward as the nucleus material presses against the outer ring.