Disc herniation - is it going to reabsorb...or not..by Mr. Janis Slezins

What causes disc herniation in the lumbar region?
Lumbar disc herniation is closely related to the structure of the disc. The intervertebral disc consists of two parts - a dense circular ring that contains a thick gel-like core. The intravertebral discs are essential and important structures functioning as shock absorbers (provide cushioning between the vertebrae), they are integral for maintaining posture and permitting a wide degree of movement, they also provide support to the adjacent vertebrae of the spine
A disc hernia forms when the outer ring of the intervertebral disc ruptures and the core inside the disk ring protrudes through the rupture site outside the ring. Symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation present themselves when the nucleus of the disk protrudes in the vicinity of, or directly into an adjacent nerve. Complaints are therefore tied to the innervation region of the affected nerve (in the case of the lumbar spine - all nerves descend and innervate the legs. Sometimes the herniation happens in a direction that does not come in contact with any nerves, in such a case lumbar disc herniation can be completely asymptomatic.
Disc protrusion is an often finding on radiological examinations. Unlike in the case of a disc hernia, in the case of disc protrusion the structural integrity of the disc itself is preserved, it is instead deformed or dislocated. Small/insignificant disc protrusions are seen in almost every examination (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography), but they seldom cause symptoms. It is, however, possible for a disc protrusion to be large enough to depress an adjacent nerve and trigger the corresponding nerve impingement symptoms.

[@robjackson1319]

Makes total sense. You have just confirmed my decision to have surgery following 14 months of siatica

[@BrainandSpineSurgeryRiga]

Thanks for your comment. Happy to be usefull. Janis Slezins, MD, PhD

[@bru1]

Many thanks. I am not a doctor but I totally agree. It makes sense to give some time to our body and change habits or make some physiotherapy. Unfortunately, I think in some places the surgery is becoming a business. But my question would be, if the disc doesn’t absorb the herniated part, and this tissue dies and is consumed by the body. Will the original disc regress to the original thickness? Is it renewable?

[@BrainandSpineSurgeryRiga]

Hi there, Thanks for your question - unfortunately disc after herniation will regress to the original thickness and thickness will not renew. Regards, Janis Slezins, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon

[@nsulejma]

Hi there, I think also that for reabsorption to take place patient should provide certain conditions in order for reabsorption to occur. Because a lot of patients keep aggravating disc by not changing their habbits that led to herniations in the first place. For example when they keep flexing or bending the wrong way they are constantly making that protruded part touching the nerv and causing its inflamation. Same thing happens after microdiscectomy. Surgeons pfisicaly remove protruded disc,.but.without proper movement reherniations are likely to occur before disc heals with some scar tissue. Regards

[@Beatriz-Ana-11]

Good evening Dr, I have a question, does a teeter inverter table where you can invert yourself help with the healing? Thank you! Have a wonderful evening!

[@BrainandSpineSurgeryRiga]

Hi, Thanks for the question. Inverter table is not specifically helpful with reabsorbtion of the disc herniation. Disc herniation may or may not reabsorb regardless usage of inverter table. Regards, Janis Slezins, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon