Herniated discs are no fun! There’s now what I would call a revolutionary approach to healing. This involves a substance called condoliase which is an enzyme-based treatment that specifically targets the core material of the herniated disc, which is called nucleus pulposus.
I’m writing about this because my Neurologist was one of the authors of this study.
Until now people with herniated discs would attempt a variety of treatments ranging from physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, pain relievers to surgery. Traditional treatments like surgery have been the mainstay of care. So, what if there was a less invasive option that could offer relief?
And that’s condoliase’s cue!
This enzyme breaks down the glycosaminoglycans (a big word!) in the disc, which are responsible for the disc’s structure and its ability to hold water. This reduces the size of the nucleus pulposus which is the soft, jelly-like center of the disc.
The nucleus pulposus is composed mostly of water, collagen fibers, and proteoglycans (molecules that help the disc hold water). The high-water content gives the nucleus pulposus its compressibility which allows it to function as a cushion or shock absorber for the spine, which is especially important during activities like walking, running, or lifting.
A herniated disc occurs when this soft inner material of the disc bulges or ruptures out of its outer casing, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. This can be caused by aging, injury, or repetitive stress on the spine. The main goal in treating a herniated disc is to relieve the pressure on the nerves and to restore normal spinal function.
What condoliase is doing is alleviating the pressure on surrounding nerve roots and tissues, which is often the primary cause of pain in individuals with herniated discs. The condoliase is directly injected into the affected disc, where it begins to break down the chemical components of the nucleus pulposus.
The result is a reduction in the size of the disc herniation, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. The reduction in pressure can often lead to an improvement in symptoms such as pain and numbness which gives patients a less invasive option for healing.
There are a number of benefits to going the condoliase treatment route:
1. Non-Surgical Option
One of the most attractive benefits of condoliase is that it offers a non-surgical alternative to traditional treatments like spinal fusion or removing the disc from the spine. For many individuals, surgery can be intimidating, costly, and requires a significant recovery period. The condoliase treatment also allows patients to avoid the potential risks and complications of surgery.
2. Minimal Recovery Time
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, condoliase treatment typically requires a much shorter recovery time compared to surgery. Most patients can return to their regular activities soon after the procedure, with less downtime and a reduced risk of complications.
3. Targeted Treatment
Unlike general pain management options, such as medications or injections, condoliase specifically targets the source of the herniated disc – the damaged nucleus pulposus. This means that patients may experience long-lasting relief from their symptoms because the underlying cause, the herniation, is being addressed and not just the pain.
4. Effectiveness in Pain Reduction
Bringing the patient significant pain relief and a reduction in the size of the hernia often leads to improved mobility and function. Patients have reported experiencing reduced pain, increased flexibility, and better quality of life following treatment.
5. Minimally Invasive with Few Side Effects
Condoliase injections are generally well-tolerated and have minimal risk of side effects. The procedure is performed with a needle under local anesthesia which avoids all the risks associated with surgery.
Condoliase works best for patients with moderate disc herniation and who have not found relief with treatments like physical therapy, oral medications, or epidural injections. If you have severe disc degeneration or a very large herniation, you may still have to go the surgery route. A spine specialist or orthopedic surgeon can determine if condoliase is a viable treatment option.
So…would it make sense to explore an effective, minimally invasive, non-surgical option with a relatively quick recovery option for a herniated disc? YOU BET IT WOULD!(Reported The Spine Journal, August 2024)
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