What is a fragmented herniated disc?
A free fragment, also known as a sequestered disc, is one type of herniated disc in which a piece breaks off from the main structure. Once separated, the detached fragment can, and often does, move up or down, causing symptoms or repercussions at an entirely different level of the spine.
How do you treat fragmented discs?
A loose fragment from an injured disc may push against the nerves within the spinal canal. Sometimes the symptoms from a disc fragment can be relieved and managed with a program of Physical Therapy and exercise. Also, these fragments occasionally scar down to the point that symptoms go away.
What is a disc fragment?
Are disc herniations serious?
An untreated, severe slipped disc can lead to permanent nerve damage. In very rare cases, a slipped disc can cut off nerve impulses to the cauda equina nerves in your lower back and legs. If this occurs, you may lose bowel or bladder control. Another long-term complication is known as saddle anesthesia.
Is a herniated disc a permanent disability?
Is Herniated Disc a Permanent Disability? A severe herniated disc can be considered a disability and make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits if it meets the requirements in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book.
Should I have surgery for a herniated disc?
Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven’t helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.
How are herniated discs at the L1-L2 level different?
Herniated discs at the L1-L2 or L2-L3 level are different entities from those at lower levels of the lumbar spine. The surgical outcome in terms of postoperative back and radicular pain is worse for herniated discs at L1-L2 and L2-L3 compared with those treated at L3-L4. Our patients with L1-L2 or L …
What is a free fragment of a herniated disc?
A free fragment, also known as a sequestered disc, is one type of herniated disc in which a piece breaks off from the main structure. Once separated, the detached fragment can, and often does, move up or down, causing symptoms or repercussions at an entirely different level of the spine. 1 Pasieka / Scence Photo Library / Getty Images
What are the characteristics of ” upper ” lumbar disc herniations?
The unique characteristics of “upper” lumbar disc herniations Herniated discs at the L1-L2 or L2-L3 level are different entities from those at lower levels of the lumbar spine. The surgical outcome in terms of postoperative back and radicular pain is worse for herniated discs at L1-L2 and L2-L3 compared with those treated at L3-L4.
Can a herniated disc fragment cause spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is highly unlikely to occur in symptomatic degrees, unless at least one fragment is quite large and pressurized enough to apply force to the spinal cord. This process may also occur if the remaining disc body itself is the main force applying the pressure and the fragments are incidental.
