X Disc
Karlyn Hemmerling
Sanitize your disc before first use and before or after each period. You can do this by boiling your disc, wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol, or using the Saalt Steamer or Saalt Compact Sanitizer.
During your period, you will want to clean your disc at least once every 12 hours. You can do so by rinsing the disc with cold water (to prevent staining) and then washing the disc with hot water and Saalt Wash or another wash that is mild, pH-balanced, fragrance-free, oil-free, and rinses clean with no residue.
If you have not used a cup or a disc for period care, you are missing out on so much freedom! No more stockpiles of supplies in your bathroom, purse, car. Insert and go! Done and done.
Wow, I love this disc as much as my cup! I tried other discs that were too soft to get in or put pressure on my cervix. I can barely feel this one and have had zero leaks. And love that you have two sizes so I can use the small for my light days. Amazing!
The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in the back are cushioned by discs. These discs are round, like small pillows, with a tough, outer layer (annulus) that surrounds the nucleus. Located between each of the vertebra in the spinal column, discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones.
A herniated disc (also called bulged, slipped or ruptured) is a fragment of the disc nucleus that is pushed out of the annulus, into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus. Discs that become herniated usually are in an early stage of degeneration. The spinal canal has limited space, which is inadequate for the spinal nerve and the displaced herniated disc fragment. Due to this displacement, the disc presses on spinal nerves, often producing pain, which may be severe.
Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. Herniated discs are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine), but also occur in the neck (cervical spine). The area in which pain is experienced depends on what part of the spine is affected.
A single excessive strain or injury may cause a herniated disc. However, disc material degenerates naturally as one ages, and the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken. As this degeneration progresses, a relatively minor strain or twisting movement can cause a disc to rupture.
Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to disc problems and, as a result, may suffer herniated discs in several places along the spine. Research has shown that a predisposition for herniated discs may exist in families with several members affected.
Symptoms vary greatly, depending on the position of the herniated disc and the size of the herniation. If the herniated disc is not pressing on a nerve, the patient may experience a low backache or no pain at all. If it is pressing on a nerve, there may be pain, numbness or weakness in the area of the body to which the nerve travels. Typically, a herniated disc is preceded by an episode of low back pain or a long history of intermittent episodes of low back pain.
Lumbar spine (lower back): Sciatica/Radiculopathy frequently results from a herniated disc in the lower back. Pressure on one or several nerves that contribute to the sciatic nerve can cause pain, burning, tingling and numbness that radiates from the buttock into the leg and sometimes into the foot. Usually, one side (left or right) is affected. This pain often is described as sharp and electric shock-like. It may be more severe with standing, walking or sitting. Straightening the leg on the affected side can often make the pain worse. Along with leg pain, one may experience low back pain; however, for acute sciatica the pain in the leg is often worse than the pain in the low back.
Cervical spine (neck): Cervical radiculopathy is the symptoms of nerve compression in the neck, which may include dull or sharp pain in the neck or between the shoulder blades, pain that radiates down the arm to the hand or fingers or numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm. The pain may increase with certain positions or movements of the neck.
Fortunately, the majority of herniated discs do not require surgery. With time, the symptoms of sciatica/radiculopathy improve in approximately 9 out of 10 people. The time to improve varies, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
Testing modalities are listed below. The most common imaging for this condition is MRI. Plain x-rays of the affected region are often added to complete the evaluation of the vertebra. Please note, a disc herniation cannot be seen on plain x-rays. CT scan and myelogram were more commonly used before MRI, but now are infrequently ordered as the initial diagnostic imaging, unless special circumstances exist that warrant their use. An electromyogram is infrequently used.
The initial treatment for a herniated disc is usually conservative and nonsurgical. A doctor may advise the patient to maintain a low, painless activity level for a few days to several weeks. This helps the spinal nerve inflammation to decrease. Bedrest is not recommended.
A herniated disc is frequently treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, if the pain is only mild to moderate. An epidural steroid injection may be performed utilizing a spinal needle under X-ray guidance to direct the medication to the exact level of the disc herniation.
The benefits of surgery should be weighed carefully against its risks. Although a large percentage of patients with herniated discs report significant pain relief after surgery, there is no guarantee that surgery will help.
Lumbar laminotomy is a procedure often utilized to relieve leg pain and sciatica caused by a herniated disc. It is performed through a small incision down the center of the back over the area of the herniated disc. During this procedure, a portion of the lamina may be removed. Once the incision is made through the skin, the muscles are moved to the side so that the surgeon can see the back of the vertebrae. A small opening is made between the two vertebrae to gain access to the herniated disc. After the disc is removed through a discectomy, the spine may need to be stabilized. Spinal fusion often is performed in conjunction with a laminotomy. In more involved cases, a laminectomy may be performed.
In artificial disc surgery, an incision is made through the abdomen, and the affected disc is removed and replaced. Only a small percentage of patients are candidates for artificial disc surgery. The patient must have disc degeneration in only one disc, between L4 and L5, or L5 and S1 (the first sacral vertebra). The patient must have undergone at least six months of treatment, such as physical therapy, pain medication or wearing a back brace, without showing improvement. The patient must be in overall good health with no signs of infection, osteoporosis or arthritis. If there is degeneration affecting more than one disc or significant leg pain, the patient is not a candidate for this surgery.
The medical decision to perform the operation from the front of the neck (anterior) or the back of the neck (posterior) is influenced by the exact location of the herniated disc, as well as the experience and preference of the surgeon. A portion of the lamina may be removed through a laminotomy, followed by removal of the disc herniation for the posterior approach. Patients, who are a candidate for posterior surgery, frequently do not need surgical fusion. For anterior surgery, after the disc is removed, the spine needs to be stabilized. This is accomplished using a cervical plate, interbody device and screws (instrumentation). In a select group of candidates, artificial cervical disc is an option vs. fusion.
The doctor will give specific instructions after surgery and usually prescribe pain medication. He or she will help determine when the patient can resume normal activities, such as returning to work, driving and exercising. Some patients may benefit from supervised rehabilitation or physical therapy after surgery. Discomfort is expected during a gradual return to normal activity, but pain is a warning signal that the patient might need to slow down.
If you are among the thousands suffering from chronic pain and limited mobility caused by a degenerative and/or herniated disc, it may be time to consider a surgical alternative. Artificial disc replacement (ADR), also referred to as TDR (total disc replacement) is used to correct pain, tingling, and loss of mobility resulting from a degenerative or herniated disc.
We also know finances are a big consideration. Our goal is to provide a safe, transparent experience with no surprises along the way. We want you to confidently make an informed decision about your treatment.
Our staff is committed to helping patients reclaim their lives from pain. DISC nurses are particularly experienced. Each nurse plays a critical role, whether that means soothing the patient's pre-surgery nerves, assisting the surgeon in the OR, or gently waking the patient up once surgery is complete.
Introducing Pixie Discs, the innovative and reusable silicone menstrual discs that provide a safe and secure way to collect fluids during your period. Unlike traditional menstrual cups, Pixie Discs sit comfortably at the base of your cervix, offering a leak-free and odor-free experience.
Designed for easy insertion and removal, the soft disc portion molds to your body while the springy firm rim ensures a seamless fit. With a high capacity equivalent to 3-6 tampons, Pixie Discs can be worn for up to 12 hours, reducing the risk of toxic shock syndrome and minimizing dryness and cramps.
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