Spinal Disc Problems

Disc Problems

Our spine is made up of twenty-three vertebral discs, which perform the function of shock absorbers, and ligaments and cartilaginous joints that hold the whole structure together while ensuring it functions efficiently. Problems with any one of these discs along the spine can cause them to lose their softness and pliability and cause disc problems.

Essentially, the root of any disc disorder will be due to a degenerative disc disease, a condition characterised by the wearing out of the intervertebral area. One type of condition that can cause disc problems is osteoarthritis affecting the spine. Other problems can result from injury, damage or infection.

Spinal Disc problems are commonly referred to as one of the following:

Herniated disc
Pinched nerve
Ruptured/torn disc
Bulging disc
Disc protrusion
Slipped disc
These usually affect the lower back or the neck. Fortunately, when diagnosed early at the Harley Street Hospital, disc problems can be cured or managed with minimal invasion.

Common Symptoms

Although there could be many signs of a disc problem, the most common ones are:

Numbness and pain that can be felt by a patient on one side of their body
This pain is likely to extend to the feet and arms
The pain is worse during specific times such as when standing, walking or during the night
Muscle weakness. This may occur even when you haven’t done a thing!
Our Assessment Process

Treatment of disc problems starts with thorough physical examination to reach diagnosis, which at our health facility is carried out using state-of-the-art equipment. An x-ray examination is likely because in most cases during disc movement, there is no inflammation. We may also carry out a CT scan or discogram, to ascertain which discs are causing the problem. Our specialists will also carry out muscle strength, mobility, sensation and reflex tests.

Treatment Options

We will always explain our findings in a way that helps you understand what is taking place in your spine, the treatment options available and how each can help you recover. Our approach to treatment is always conservative first, in which case we will recommend a combination of medication and therapies such as osteopathy or physiotherapy to see if they improve symptoms. If there is no response or the problem worsens then recourse to a wide range of other options is possible, such as artificial disc replacement.

The London Spine Unit is home to the world’s best facilities and team of doctors for treating any type of spine problem. Having a team of specialists in all aspects, including pain management, holistic treatments and reconstructive surgery, means we are able diagnose and treat spine problems very quickly and with impressive outcomes. Many of our patients are able to find permanent relief or management without surgery and, in the case where surgery is the best option, we will opt for the least invasive solution. Most surgery patients are able to go home the same or next day and are usually up on their feet and pain free in just a few weeks.