When talking about herniated disc disease nowadays, it can be found in various forms. One common condition among working-age people is “Inflamed and torn herniated disc” and how Percutaneous Nucleoplasty can help in treatment. Let’s hear from Dr. Porn Naritchat, Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon at Phyathai 3 Hospital
Symptoms of Back Pain from Torn Herniated Disc
Herniated disc disease occurs in various forms, so treatment levels vary according to the doctor’s assessment. “Back pain symptoms from a torn herniated disc” are commonly found in working-age people. The herniated disc will have a tear but without disc protrusion, which causes chronic back pain.
Normally, herniated discs do not have direct blood supply. Therefore, when a tear occurs, it is difficult to heal because there is no blood to repair it. The main cause of tears in working-age people is due to lifestyle, work, and improper postures in daily life.
Percutaneous Nucleoplasty is a technology used to treat torn herniated discs by applying radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The treatment involves inserting a needle through the skin to the targeted area using X-ray guidance. The needle tip is about 3 mm in size. When RF energy is applied to the torn area, it causes the tear to contract and close. The treatment takes about 30 minutes.
Indications for Treatment with Percutaneous Nucleoplasty must meet the following criteria
- MRI results show a torn herniated disc
- Symptoms have not improved after taking medication for about 2 months, including physical therapy and resting as advised by the doctor, but severe pain persists
Advantages of Treatment with Percutaneous Nucleoplasty
- Percutaneous Nucleoplasty can ablate the torn area of the herniated disc and can also insert instruments to remove part of the herniated disc
- Can treat multiple torn herniated discs
- No general anesthesia is required during treatment; only local anesthesia is used, so the patient remains conscious and can report symptoms throughout the procedure
- Minimal injury with little impact on surrounding tissues
- Fast recovery
- The wound is small, about 3 millimeters
- Only one day of hospital stay is needed before discharge
Currently, although new technologies are available to help patients with back pain, it is better if we do not have to endure back pain that affects daily life. Therefore, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing without changing posture, not lifting heavy objects beyond capacity, maintaining a proper weight, along with exercises focusing on strengthening back and abdominal muscles, can help prevent the disease.
Phyathai 3 Hospital has a team of specialists and modern equipment ready to provide services so patients can return to normal life. For consultation and more information, please contact the Neuroscience and Spine Center at Tel. 0-2467-1111 ext. 3262
