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Chymopapain is an enzyme from the papaya fruit used to treat herniated discs. The chymopapain is injected directly into a bulging disc. It works by eating away the jelly-like inner core of the disc. The outer covering of the disc called the annulus stays the same. This treatment is called chemonucleolysis.
Chemonucleolysis works best on bulging discs that have not yet ruptured. By breaking down the inner disc, water is released, and the disc shrinks. This takes pressure off the nearby spinal nerve root, the source of the painful symptoms.
Chemonucleolysis is rarely done anymore in the United States. There were many problems and some serious side effects such as paralysis and extreme allergic reactions. It is still popular in Europe. Many studies showed it is less effective than other surgical treatments available here.
For patients who need surgery, there are new and better treatment options available. Minimally invasive discectomy can be done now. The disc can be removed with a small incision and minimal trauma to the tissues. Since the bone is not removed and the muscles aren't cut away, today's surgery leaves the spinal segment intact and stable.
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