A collapsed disc can result if the fibrous outer wall of a spinal disc deteriorates and loses its elasticity, causing the disc to lose height and become flattened. Though sometimes the result of a traumatic injury, a collapsed disc is most often caused by the natural degeneration of the spinal discs after many years of serving as the spine’s shock absorbers. While this condition is often asymptomatic, a variety of symptoms may appear if the disc collapse causes the compression of a nerve root or the spinal cord. These symptoms can include pain that radiates to the arms, hands, legs or feet, muscle weakness, tingling, numbness and muscle spasms.

There are a variety of conservative treatment options — including pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments — that may help alleviate your symptoms. However, collapsed disc surgery may become a consideration if your symptoms persist after several weeks or months of nonsurgical treatment.

Collapsed disc surgery options

If you are considering collapsed disc surgery, you may be a candidate for minimally invasive surgery at USA Spine Care. While your physician may suggest traditional open spine surgery, USA Spine Care offers outpatient procedures that utilize muscle-sparing techniques to allow for a faster recovery.^ The different procedures our board-certified surgeons+ perform include:

1. Discectomy. In this procedure, the area of the disc that is causing nerve compression is removed to alleviate your symptoms.
2. Laminotomy. To provide additional space for compressed nerve roots, a portion of a vertebra’s bony roof is removed.
3. Foraminotomy. This type of collapsed disc surgery involves the widening of a vertebral opening to provide the nerves with extra space through which to pass.
4. Stabilization. In cases where a disc has collapsed to the point that it can no longer support the surrounding vertebrae, the disc is removed and the two neighboring vertebrae are repositioned and fused to stabilize the spine.

Contacting USA Spine Care

If collapsed disc surgery will be needed to help alleviate your symptoms, USA Spine Care will provide a no-cost MRI review* to find out if you are a candidate for one of our minimally invasive outpatient procedures. ContactUSA Spine Care today to learn more about our minimally invasive surgery, which is a safer and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery.^

Browse Related Resources