Disk protrusion

Disc protrusion is the bulging of an intervertebral disc without rupture of the fibrous ring. In this condition, compression or irritation of nerve roots is intermittent. Disc protrusion is essentially a pre-phase of intervertebral hernia formation.

Causes of Disc Protrusion

Intervertebral disc protrusion occurs when the disc, after prolonged inactivity, age-related changes, or heavy loads, becomes dehydrated, loses elasticity and height, and develops cracks in the fibrous ring. These cracks lead to impaired vertebral fixation and the development of instability in the affected spinal area. The main cause of disc protrusion is osteochondrosis.

Symptoms of Disc Protrusion

The symptoms depend on the location of the protrusion (cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral spine):

• Cervical protrusion:
  • Dull, pulling, or aching pain in the neck;
  • Heaviness or dull pain in the occipital region;
  • Headaches, dizziness;
  • Possible tinnitus, coordination and vision disturbances;
  • Radiating pain into the shoulder joints, sometimes accompanied by numbness, tingling in the fingers, and loss of strength in the hands.
• Thoracic protrusion:
  • Persistent chest pain (worsens during inhalation);
  • Pain between the shoulder blades;
  • Stiff, tight back.
• Lumbosacral protrusion:
  • Lower back pain radiating to the buttocks or legs;
  • Numbness, weakness in one or both legs;
  • Possible pelvic organ dysfunction.

Diagnosis

After patient interview and clinical examination, X-rays, CT, or MRI of the corresponding spinal section are prescribed.

Since protrusion is a prelude to disc herniation, possible complications include rupture of the fibrous ring and formation of an intervertebral disc hernia.

Treatment

• Radon baths, dry carbonic acid baths.
• Heat therapy with galvanogly mud and paraffin-ozokerite applications.
• Electrophoresis with CARIPAIN Plus.
• Ultrasound with CARIPAIN cream, topical application of CARIPAIN gel.
• Computerized traction of lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine sections, fixed with a belt and Schanz collar.
• Intratissue electrostimulation according to Gerasimov's method for complex nerve damage and pain syndrome.
• CO₂ gas injections.
• Darsonvalization.
• Magnetotherapy.
• Amplipulse therapy.
• Diadynamic therapy.
• Interferential current therapy.
• Light therapy using magnet-infrared laser, Bioptron, Korobov’s photonic polychromatic matrix.
• Manual or vacuum massage.
• Manual therapy (post-isometric relaxation).
• Therapeutic exercises in traction-training mode. Strengthening of back extensor muscles.
• Exercises with an instructor on the Yevminov trainer.
• Use of Heel pharmaceuticals – Zeel T, Traumeel S, Discus Compositum, Ubichinon, Lymphomyosot.
• Blockades with Mydocalm for myofascial syndromes and piriformis muscle syndrome.
• Anti-osteoporotic therapy if necessary.
• Chondroprotective therapy.