The spine is forced to withstand forces in many directions repeatedly each and every day. Even walking places stress on the spine. The discs found between each of the vertebrae in the spine are especially susceptible to injury. Spinal disc injuries can come in various forms, with two of the most common being disc herniation and degenerative disc disorder. Treatments for these injuries can vary as well, but two common options are discectomies and The Discseel® Procedure.
The Anatomy of Intervertebral Discs
Intervertebral discs are composed of two layers: a soft, gel-like inner layer called the nucleus pulposus and a tougher, fibrous outside layer known as the annulus. The annulus helps to provide support for the disc, and the inner layer helps to provide a cushion with various movements, such as bending, twisting, or compression.
With degenerative disc disorder, the entire disc can begin to dry out and the outer layer may crack. This can make the entire spine less effective at absorbing forces and may cause the discs to shrink down in height. This can lead to pain with certain movements. The nerves coming out of the spinal column can also become pinched, leading to radiating pain or numbness in the arms and legs.
Treatment with Discectomies
Discectomies try to eliminate back pain by literally removing a portion of or the entire spinal disc that is injured. This procedure can help to eliminate some of the pain caused by the damaged disc, especially that related to nerve pain. However, there are many downfalls to this treatment as well.
A discectomy is an invasive spinal procedure that requires patients to undergo a time-consuming procedure and to stay in the hospital for a day or two under supervision following the surgery. Recovery time for these surgeries can also be up to a month or more depending on the severity of the injury. If you are looking to return to work where you are required to operate heavy machinery or lift heavy objects, the total recovery time can last for up to three months.
The risk of re-injury is also quite common with this procedure. One study noted that up to 25 percent of patients had a re-herniation of the affected disc. Even if another herniation did not occur, 10 percent of patients had to undergo a further operation to try to relieve pain levels. Subsequent discectomies can be even more difficult to complete as well due to the buildup of scar tissue from the initial surgery.
The Discseel® Procedure as an Alternative Option
This treatment option also improves spinal disorders and back pain stemming from the intervertebral discs, but in a minimally invasive way. The procedure uses a natural biologic called fibrin to seal damaged spinal discs and support the growth of new disc tissue, preserving the disc rather than removing it. By preserving the intervertebral discs, the goal is to reduce the chance of reinjury and support more effective pain management.
The procedure uses an image-guided injection directly into the damaged disc. The fibrin acts as a sealant, closing tears or cracks in the outer annulus layer. By sealing the tear, the procedure is designed to reduce the likelihood of future herniations at the treated disc and may help reduce pain associated with an existing herniation.
Fibrin is the body’s natural clotting and healing protein. After sealing the tear, it forms a matrix that supports the growth of new disc tissue over the following months. The DISCSEEL Procedure uses fibrin, not stem cells or PRP.
Overall, the procedure repairs damaged discs by supporting healing from the inside out, concentrated by the disc sealing that fibrin provides. Many patients report meaningful pain relief, including those who have had a previously failed spinal procedure. This makes the DISCSEEL Procedure a minimally invasive alternative to a discectomy.