Traumatic Disc Injuries
Traumatic Disc Injuries
Traumatic Disc Injuries refer to damage sustained by the intervertebral discs— the soft, cushioning structures located between the spinal bones (vertebrae)—due to sudden force, impact, or spinal trauma. Unlike degenerative disc diseases, these injuries result from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or violence, and can occur at any spinal level, including cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) regions. In Bangladesh, the increasing incidence of road traffic accidents, industrial injuries, and falls from heights has made traumatic disc injuries a significant public health concern, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions. Why It Matters in Bangladesh Due to lack of awareness, delayed hospital access, and limited early imaging in rural settings, many patients in Bangladesh remain undiagnosed or undertreated, often developing permanent neurological deficits. Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman, one of the country’s leading pediatric and spinal neurosurgeons, offers prompt evaluation, accurate imaging, and evidence-based surgical intervention to prevent long-term disability in patients with traumatic disc injuries. Causes and Risk Factors of Traumatic Disc Injuries Motorbike or car accidents Falls from rooftops, trees, or stairs (common in rural Bangladesh) Heavy lifting without support Violence or physical assault Sports injuries in adolescents or athletes Occupational hazards (factory or construction work) Children, adolescents, and young adults are increasingly at risk, especially due to unsafe play environments, lack of sports injury prevention, and poor spine safety awareness. Common Types of Disc Injuries Seen in Trauma Disc herniation or prolapse – Disc material presses on spinal nerves Annular tears – Tear in the outer ring of the disc Disc extrusion or sequestration – Severe herniation with nerve root or spinal cord compression Endplate fractures with disc injury Disc disruption with spinal instability These injuries can lead to sciatica, radiculopathy, cauda equina syndrome, or spinal cord compression, requiring urgent care. Symptoms of Traumatic Disc Injuries The symptoms depend on the location and severity of the disc damage: Severe neck or back pain after trauma Shooting pain in arms or legs Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation Weakness or paralysis in limbs Loss of bowel or bladder control (a neurosurgical emergency) Restricted mobility or difficulty walking In some cases, symptoms may be delayed, making it crucial to seek spine evaluation even after mild trauma. Diagnosis: Accurate Imaging Is Key Dr. Nafaur Rahman uses modern imaging tools to accurately diagnose traumatic disc injuries: MRI spine – To detect disc herniation, annular tears, spinal cord edema or compression CT scan – To assess bone fractures associated with disc trauma X-rays with flexion-extension views – To check spinal stability Neurological examination – To assess reflexes, strength, and sensory loss Treatment Options in Bangladesh Treatment is based on the type of disc injury, neurological involvement, and spinal stability. Dr. Nafaur Rahman provides a range of conservative and surgical treatment options tailored to each patient. ✅ Non-Surgical Management (Mild to Moderate Cases) Pain relief medications and muscle relaxants Spinal bracing or immobilization Physiotherapy and postural training Activity modification and spinal precautions Steroid injections in selected cases Patients are advised regular follow-up with repeat imaging to monitor recovery and detect complications early. ✅ Surgical Intervention (Severe or Neurological Cases) If the disc injury causes nerve compression, progressive weakness, or spinal instability, surgery becomes necessary. Procedures include: Microdiscectomy – Removal of herniated disc pressing on nerves Laminectomy with decompression – To relieve pressure on spinal cord Spinal fusion – To stabilize segments with instability Endoscopic spine surgery – Minimally invasive option in selected cases Vertebral reconstruction – In trauma with vertebral fractures Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman uses minimally invasive, nerve-sparing techniques that ensure faster recovery, minimal scarring, and excellent neurological outcomes. Postoperative Recovery & Rehabilitation Hospital stay: 2–5 days depending on procedure Physiotherapy starts early to regain strength and mobility Pain management and spinal precautions Follow-up imaging at regular intervals Return to school/work: typically in 3–6 weeks Sports and heavy activity: resume only after medical clearance Why Choose Dr. Nafaur Rahman for Spine Trauma Care? ✔️ Expert in pediatric and adult spinal trauma management ✔️ Over a decade of experience with complex disc surgeries ✔️ Specialized training in minimally invasive neurosurgery ✔️ Comprehensive preoperative, surgical, and postoperative care ✔️ Trusted by patients from across Bangladesh for spinal emergency care Book a Spine Trauma Evaluation Today 📍 Dr. Md. Nafaur Rahman Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital (NINS) Chief Consultant, Bangladesh Paediatric Neurocare Centre 📞 For Appointments/Serial: 📱 +8801912988182 | +8801607033535 🌐 Visit: www.neurosurgeonnafaur.com
