BULGING DISC/DISC PROLAPSE/DISC HERNIATION

Bulging Disc/Disc Prolapse/Disc Herniation – The intervertebral disc provides cushioning between the vertebrae and absorbs pressure on the spine. When healthy, the disc itself does not put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. As the disc degenerates or if the disc is injured, the disc can protrude outward into the spinal canal and compress the nerve root. This will often result in symptoms of pain, numbness, or even weakness. A Bulging Disc can lead to Disc Herniation, which is the rupturing of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column.

Dr. Leary’s initial goal is to treat bulging and herniated discs with nonsurgical options including medications, physical therapy, and injections. In cases where the bulging disc is unresponsive to non-surgical solutions or is causing too critical compression on neurologic structures, Dr. Leary is able to provide a full spectrum of surgical solutions. These include anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches to the spine.
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DISC EXTRUSION

Disc Extrusion is a specific type of spinal disc herniation and occurs when the inner core material begins to bulge or leak out from the fibrous outer layer. The soft inner core breaks through the fibrous outer layer and leaks out into the spinal canal. The inner core material remains attached to the disc.
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DISC PROTRUSION

Disc Protrusion is a specific type of spinal disc herniation and occurs when the inner core material bulges from the disc, but the fibrous outer layer of the disc remains intact.
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