Is a disc protrusion a serious threat to my health? | Dr. Todd Lanman

When we are diagnosed with a disc protrusion, we mean that somehow a spinal disc has lost its natural shape and is sticking out in a way that is not normal. Sometimes these protrusions are asymptomatic, or in other words, they have no effect on the normal function of your spine or that they do not cause discomfort or pain for the patient. In these cases, I'll recommend keeping an eye on the disc, but I may not operate. However, if the protrusion interferes with the function of the spine (e.g., limits movement, causes misalignment) or more likely, if the protrusion compresses on a nerve or the spinal cord, I will recommend a procedure that corrects the situation. Generally, only if a protrusion is symptomatic does it present possible threats to your health in terms of limited movement, lower quality of life due to chronic pain, or in extreme cases, nerve loss.