Nucleoplasty: Can Be Treated Without Surgery

     Nucleoplasty, which is caused by disc displacement or degeneration, can lead to significant pain and inflammation due to nerve compression. Fortunately, the Nucleoplasty technology offers an effective, non-surgical treatment to alleviate these symptoms.

Understanding the Spinal Disc

     The spine comprises 24 vertebrae. Between each vertebra lies a tissue called the "spinal disc," which absorbs shock and provides flexibility during movement, within the spine's structural limits.

Structure of the Spinal Disc

     A spinal disc is circular, with a tough, fibrous outer ring akin to steel fibers or tire canvas. Inside, it contains a jelly-like fluid that distributes weight, acting like an air-filled cushion. When subjected to a load, it absorbs and evenly distributes the weight.

Herniated Disc Disease

     Herniated disc disease occurs when spinal discs can no longer bear weight, often due to excess load, injury, or improper use, leading to tears in the outer fibrous ring. This compromised weight-bearing capacity can thus initiate the condition.

Symptoms of Herniated Disc Disease

     Symptoms vary based on severity, such as tears in the disc's fibrous ring. This causes pain, as the jelly-like substance can move outward and compress nerves, resulting in radiating pain along the affected nerve. Commonly, this presents as back pain radiating down to the calf or top of the foot.

Treatment for Herniated Disc Disease

     Treatment for herniated disc disease typically involves surgery combined with lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms. These include avoiding heavy lifting or bending to pick up objects, limiting prolonged sitting, engaging in physical therapy, taking prescribed medications, and using back support devices.

Non-Surgical Treatment: Nucleoplasty (Coblation)

     Nucleoplasty (Coblation) is an innovative, non-surgical treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) waves (40-70 degrees Celsius) delivered through a 17-gauge needle. This energy vaporizes and shrinks the herniated disc material, compressing the nerve. Its benefits include:

The Benefits  of Nucleoplasty

• Quick Procedure: Takes only 20-30 minutes.
• Minimal Tissue Damage: Does not harm surrounding healthy tissue.
• No Hospital Stay: Patients do not require inpatient recovery.
• Rapid Recovery: Significant improvement is often seen within 3 weeks, with an 80% success rate.

Read more: Global Spine Congress 2024 Brings Together World-Class Spine Surgeons.

The Nucleoplasty technology for treating herniated disc disease is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Self-Care for Herniated Disc Disease

1.  Sitting and Standing

• When sitting, keep knees higher than hips, using a footrest. Avoid sitting with legs straight or in one position for prolonged periods.
• When standing up, keep your back straight and use your hands for support.
• When standing for long periods, elevate one foot on a support to slightly bend the knee and reduce spinal curvature.

2.  Lifting Objects

• Avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds while experiencing back pain. Even after pain subsides, do not lift more than 20 pounds for at least 6 months.
• Do not bend your back to lift from the floor; instead, bend your knees.
• Avoid carrying objects weighing 10 pounds more than 2 feet away from your body. Do not lift objects above shoulder level.
• Sleep on a mattress that is neither too soft nor too hard.

3.  Sleeping Position

• When sleeping on your side, hug a body pillow to prevent spinal twisting.
• When sleeping on your back, place a pillow under your knees to keep them slightly bent.