Our spines are made up of vertebrae which are supported with discs that provide a soft cushion between the bones to help absorb impact and allow ease of movement. These discs can rupture, leaving very little cushioning between the vertebrae leading to spinal compression and causing pain in various ways. It is at times when the pain caused by disc degeneration becomes unbearable that disc surgery becomes an option to consider.

Intervetebral discs can rupture when put under undue or sudden stress, such as a quick uncontrolled twisting movement, or as a result of some kind of trauma such as an accident. When a disc ruptures the material is it made of can press on the spinal cord or on nerves, causing intense pain. The initial pain of a ruptured disc is normally very sharp and very sudden, this pain then eases over time. If you are unlucky enough to rupture a disc that then puts pressure on the sciatic nerve then you will find yourself suffering from sciatica, where the pressure on the nerve causes pain starting in the buttocks and travelling down the leg. The degree of pain and length of attack varies from person to person but it is an incredibly unpleasant experience, fortunately sciatica treatment is generally effective.

An MRI scan is the only efficient way to detect a ruptured disc, at which point the consultant will be able to decide whether surgery is a viable option that will help relieve the pain being experienced. In the weeks following a disc rupture, if the pain is constant or even getting worse than this is a good indication that some kind of surgeryis going to be necessary in order to alleivate the pain. Ideally surgery should be carried out as early as possible in order to get the best results, and thankfully the technique has been refined over the years so it is no longer a complicated procedure with a prolonged recovery period.

Rupturing a disc may not require disc surgery, however it is always wise to seek medical advice if you experience sudden and prolonged back pain as it is more than likely an indication of a fairly serious injury.