What does it mean if I have a disc extrusion?

Disc Extrusion


If you suspect you have a disc extrusion in your spine, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Though the symptoms of this condition may develop slowly, they can worsen over time without treatment, and you may find yourself having difficultly performing your normal activities, such as walking or household chores. Treatment of disc extrusion typically begins with a series of nonsurgical, conservative treatments designed to decompress a pinched nerve in the spine and allow the disc to heal over time.

How does a disc extrusion develop?

The vertebrae in the spine are cushioned and separated by thick, spongy discs that consist of a tough, fibrous outer shell and a gel-like inner nucleus material. Over the years, these discs are subjected to an extreme amount of wear and tear and the walls of the discs can weaken and become brittle. Eventually, tears may develop in the walls of a disc, allowing the nucleus material to extrude into the spinal column, potentially compressing a spinal nerve.


  • Stiffness or soreness
  • Unexpected muscle weakness
  • Pain that travels along the compressed nerve
  • A burning or pins-and-needles feeling
  • Numbness or tingling



Contact Laser Spine Institute if your pain from disc extrusion does not subside after several weeks, and learn how one of our minimally invasive, outpatient spine procedures may be able to provide you with the pain relief you need. Our Spine Care Consultants can tell you how to get a no-cost MRI review* to see if you may be a candidate for minimally invasive spine surgery.