The terms bulging disc, herniated disc and even pinched nerve are all terms that are common when it comes to describing back disc conditions. These terms are used in different ways and more often than not even doctors do not agree on their definitions. This can be frustrating for a patient since terms such as disc protrusion, slipped disc, torn disc, ruptured disc, disc disease and many others are sometimes interchangeable. What is most important is that you do not really spend much time trying to analyze these terms but concentrate on getting an accurate diagnosis. What is most clear is the fact that all these terms clearly show that the patient has a disc condition that clearly needs to be addressed. In many cases, the ultimate form of treatment is usually back disc surgery but this is only done after proper diagnosis.
Disc Problem Diagnosis
The most common symptom when it comes to disc problems is lower back pain. However back pain on its own cannot warrant
back disc surgery and you will have to go through a series of tests to ascertain the exact condition before your surgery. Diagnosis comprises of the following:
1. Physical Exam: Various tests are taken when conducting physical exams and these will vary according to the symptoms. Some of the tests you can expect to undergo are: nerve function tests which include tapping and sensory tests. Other tests will be done to assess muscle strength and pain with motion or palpation so as to determine the cause of the pain.
2. Symptom Review: Following your physical, your symptoms will be reviewed to describe the type of pain, pain location and therapies or treatments that could alleviate or increase pain. Some of the main symptoms for disc conditions are: numbness, leg tingling and pain amongst others.
3. Medical History Review: No medical screening is complete without a medical history review and this is important as it gives information pertaining recurring health conditions, previous treatments and diagnosis.
4. Diagnostic Tests: Common diagnostic tests conducted are MRI scan, CT scan, Discogram and others. These tests are essential in locating the herniated disc and encroached nerves.
Back Disc Surgery Options
Having properly diagnosed the condition, the doctor can now identify the ideal treatment option for you and there are various surgery options that you can undergo in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These are:
Percutaneous Discectomy: This procedure is used to treat discs that are yet to rupture in the spinal cord and bulging/slipping discs as well. The herniated disc is removed using a special tool that is inserted via a back incision.
Discectomy: Discectomy is the most effective back disc surgery and is done to remove the herniated disc part that is pressing on the spinal cord or nerve root. This procedure is done on both slipping and ruptured discs.
Laminectomy/Laminotomy: These surgeries are recommended to help relieve spinal cord and nerve pressure. Laminotomy mainly removes portions of the vertebrae that form the lamina while the laminectomy removes the entire lamina on specific vertebrae.
Back disc surgery is often done as a last resort after alternative treatments have failed.