A herniated disc is a common condition that affects many people, especially as they age. It occurs when the soft inner material of a disc in the spine bulges out through a tear or weakness in the outer layer. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, neck, arms, or legs.
But how can you tell how old a herniated disc is? Is it possible to determine when the disc injury occurred and how long it has been affecting you? This article will explore some of the factors that can help your doctor estimate the age of a herniated disc and why it matters for your treatment options.
One of the first clues to the age of a herniated disc is the type and severity of symptoms you experience. Generally speaking, acute disc herniations tend to cause more intense and localized pain, while chronic disc herniations tend to cause more diffuse and mild pain.
Acute disc herniations are those that occur suddenly, usually as a result of trauma, lifting, twisting, or bending. They can cause severe pain that radiates along the nerve that is compressed by the disc material. The pain may be accompanied by muscle spasms, inflammation, and reduced range of motion. Acute disc herniations usually last for a few weeks to months and may resolve on their own or with conservative treatments such as rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or steroid injections.
Chronic disc herniations are those that develop gradually over time, usually as a result of aging, degeneration, or wear and tear. They can cause mild to moderate pain that is more widespread and less specific. The pain may be intermittent or constant and may vary depending on your posture, activity level, or weather. Chronic disc herniations may last for months to years and may require more aggressive treatment such as surgery if they do not respond to conservative measures.
Some of the major factors that affect herniated disc aging include:
Another way to estimate the age of a herniated disc is to undergo imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. These tests can show the size, shape, location, and extent of the disc herniation and how it affects the surrounding structures, such as the spinal cord, nerves, bones, muscles, and ligaments.
However, imaging tests are not always accurate or reliable in determining the age of a herniated disc. Even if a herniation appears on the image, not all disc herniations will cause symptoms or require treatment. Some people may have asymptomatic disc herniations that do not bother them at all. Conversely, imaging tests may not capture the dynamic changes that occur in the disc over time. For example, a disc herniation may shrink or reabsorb as part of the natural healing process, or it may enlarge or migrate due to further injury or inflammation.
Therefore, imaging tests should be interpreted in conjunction with your medical history, physical examination, and symptom pattern. Your doctor will use all this information to make an informed diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment for your condition.
Understanding the age of a herniated disc can have important implications for treatment and management:
Ultimately, the age of a herniated disc is not the only factor that determines your treatment options. Your overall health, lifestyle, preferences, and goals are also important considerations. Your doctor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that suits your needs and expectations.
If you have a herniated disc that is not responding to conservative treatment, a discectomy or less invasive microdiscectomy may be discussed and potentially recommended. Discectomy recovery time varies among individuals and depends on factors such as whether the patient has a large hole in the outer ring of the disc after surgery. Although discectomy is generally a very successful back surgery procedure,having a large hole in the outer ring of the disc more than doubles the risk of needing another operation.A new treatment, Barricaid, is a bone-anchored device that closes this hole, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is done immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital.
If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment, ask your doctor or contact us at 844-705-1081.
For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.