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Doctors Lounge - Orthopedics Answers

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Back to Orthopedics Answers List

Forum Name: Bone trauma and fractures

Question: Spinal Disc Break


 cvickers15 - Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:43 pm Bookmark and Share  

My father has been diagnosed with a spinal disc condition. His chiropractor told him one day his disc would break and hit a nerve or the spinal cord, however he did not tell us anything further. Will he live after this? Is there a treatment for this?
 Tom Plamondon PA-C - Sun Sep 20, 2009 7:34 pm Bookmark and Share  

User avatar Hello,
A spinal disc condition could mean a lot of things. Yes, the disc eventually can bulge or protrude and irritate a nerve. This is not life threatening but can cause pain,numbness and tingling in the lower extremities. In the worse case, the bundle of nerves called the cauda equina can be pinched. This is may cause numbness and weakness in the legs, numbness in the lower pelvic area and inability to urinate. Although rare, cauda equina is an emergency due to the extent of nerve involvement and potential for permanent damage.

I have presented the worse case scenario which again would be unlikely given a disc problem which is not giving him mild problems at this point.

If he takes care of his back now, his chances of leading a healthy painfree life are fairly good (granted the damage to the disc at this point is not too great).

Take care.

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