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The circular cushions of tissue that separate the bones in the back and are situated in between each bone in the spine are called intervertebral discs.  They are there to soften shocks to the back for instance when someone is lifting, bending or running these intervertebral discs come in really handy.  These discs sometime slip thus causing intervertebral disc prolapse, the pain can be overwhelming.  The lower back or lumbar spine is the most common place for one of these prolapses to occur, the symptoms are usually severe pain at the site of the prolapsed disc plus other symptoms which are the result of the disc pressing on a nerve.  Leg pain, shooting pains and numbness are all common factors for a sufferer with intervertebral disk (Bandscheibe).

The usual way in which patients are diagnosed with a disc prolapse is to visit a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in joint treatment (Arthrose Behandlung), if a disc prolapse is suspected then the consultant will usually send the patient for a MRI scan to determine which disc is prolapsed.  In many cases a disc prolapse will rectify itself without the intervention of surgery, in these cases the patient will be sent home to rest and with pain relief until the disc goes back into place.  If however the disc prolapse is severe and the consultant deems it necessary then an operation to remove the prolapsed disc will be performed.

After the MRI scan the patient will be sent home to wait for the results.  The scans are then read by a consultant radiologist who specialises (usually in orthopaedics), but there are cases where the patient also has neurological symptoms as a result of the prolapse, in this case then patient’s scans will be ready by a consultant Neuroradiologist.  If the patient has had previous surgery at the site of current symptoms then a shot of Gadolinium will be given to the patient at the site of symptoms in order that clearer pictures are produced.

Once the decision has been made to perform surgery then the patient will be talked through the risks of surgery along with the pre-assessment procedure.  If you think that you have symptoms of intervertebral disc prolapse then the first port of call would be a GP who would then refer you on to the necessary consultant.  You can have an MRI scan done privately but a referral letter will still be needed from a GP or consultant before this can be carried out.