Patient Information Resources


Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.
763 Larkfield Road
2nd Floor
Commack, NY 11725
Ph: (631) 462-2225
Fax: (631) 462-2240






Child Orthopedics
General
Pain Management
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

« Back

I've had two disc herniations. The first one came on slowly over a couple years. The second one hit me suddenly. One day I was fine, and the next day I was off my feet in agony. Can you explain the difference?

We can only guess what might be happening at this point. Research into the cause of disc damage and stages of repair is ongoing. From what we do know, it appears that the mechanism for triggering disc degeneration differs depending on the injury.

In other words, does the damage comes from inside the disc or by forces and pressure on the outside? The effects of aging versus trauma may be different. Or perhaps repetitive mechanical trauma from doing the same activity or motion over and over is the major key to disc damage.

From a study in Sweden using pig models, we know what kind of damage a hole can do when poked in the disc. The researchers think a small hole results in minor leakage of fluid from the disc. Healing is faster, too. Maybe the healing in a small injury is more complete than a large injury.

With a larger hole poked in the disc, there's a faster loss of nucleus material right away. The site of the injury doesn't heal well, and the disc can't get enough nutrition. This may explain the differences in your two disc events, one may be a small injury with a slow leak, while the other was larger with slower healing.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.