The term collapsed disc is commonly used to describe a condition that causes a disc in the spine to lose height or shape.

The spinal discs provide cushioning and proper spacing between the vertebrae, allowing spinal nerves to pass between them. Various spinal conditions, including degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and bulging discs, can cause a disc to lose height and/or shape. When this occurs, the space between the vertebrae decreases and spinal nerves may become compressed or pinched.

Causes of a collapsed disc

A collapsed disc can develop due a series of degenerative conditions, meaning conditions that develop as the spine naturally deteriorates and weakens with age. These degenerative conditions can include:

• Degenerative disc disease. As a person ages, the spinal discs can become weaker and lose water content. When this happens, the discs tend to lose height and the space between the vertebrae can become smaller.
• Herniated disc. This condition occurs when the jellylike interior of a disc pushes through a tear in the disc’s tough exterior. The tear can be caused by degenerative changes that occur as a person ages or as a result of traumatic injury.
• Bulging disc. The causes of a bulging disc are similar to those of a herniated disc. With this condition, however, the interior of the disc remains contained within the outer layer, but the disc becomes flattened and extends beyond its usual perimeter.

Other causes of a collapsed disc include sudden injury or trauma that causes the disc to flatten and change shape.

Symptoms of a collapsed disc

Symptoms are typically experienced when the space between the vertebrae becomes so narrowed that nearby spinal nerve roots are compressed. When a spinal nerve is compressed, patients can experience the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Tingling
• Burning sensation
• Limited mobility

When these symptoms begin, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss the treatment options available to help you find pain relief.

Treatments for a collapsed disc

Many doctors begin treatment for a collapsed disc with conservative therapies such as pain medication and hot and/or cold therapy, among other nonsurgical options.

If these treatments provide little to no relief after several months, surgery may be recommended. At USA Spine Care, we provide minimally invasive spine surgery as an outpatient alternative to traditional open spine surgery. To date, our procedures have helped thousands of patients find relief from chronic neck and back pain.

Ready to take the next step on your journey toward pain relief? Contact USA Spine Care for a free MRI review* to find out if you are a potential candidate for our minimally invasive procedures.

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