Disk replacement, which maintains range of motion and uses metal such as titanium with a synthetic, mobile core. Fusion, the traditional approach, is now performed less invasively with a smaller incision and 3D stereoscopic scopes. For patients who have surgery for cervical herniated disk, what is recovery like?

Understanding the Context

Compared with a bulging disk, a herniated disk is more likely to cause pain because it protrudes farther and is more likely to compress nerve roots. A herniated disk occurs when some of the softer material inside the disk pushes out through a crack in the tougher outside of the disk. This can irritate or press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness or weakness. Causes Disk herniation is most often the result of a gradual, aging-related wear and tear called disk degeneration.

Key Insights

As people age, the disks become less flexible and more prone to tearing or rupturing with even a minor strain or twist. Most people can't pinpoint the cause of their herniated disk. Diskectomy is surgery to remove the damaged part of a disk in the spine. A diskectomy can relieve the pressure caused by a herniated disk. A herniated disk happens when the soft center of a disk pushes out through the tough outer lining.

Final Thoughts

Herniated disks can irritate or press on nearby nerves. The purpose of the study is to identify genes that could serve as a target for early intervention and treatment for degenerative disk disease. Intervertebral disks from the cervical and lumbar spine have been retrieved from surgery and evaluated. Translational studies addressing technology for stem cell delivery are also important. Stem cell therapy for degenerative intervertebral disk disease: Q and A ... The disks that lie between the vertebrae in the spine consist of a soft center (nucleus) surrounded by a tougher exterior (annulus).

A herniated disk occurs when a portion of the nucleus pushes through a crack in the annulus. Symptoms may occur if the herniation compresses a nerve.