Spontaneous Resorption of Intervertebral Disc Herniation: A Series of 7 Patients

Background Data: With advancement of MRI technology, numerous studies have showed probability of spontaneous regression of the herniated disc. This is usually associated with recovery of neurological symptoms. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to highlight the potential for spontaneous resorption of intervertebral disc herniation, review the literature and discuss the duration of conservative treatment. Study Design: Retrospective clinical case study. Patients and Methods: In this study patients with spontaneous regression of intervertebral disc herniation were reviewed. All patients were presented with a single level intervertebral disc herniation and radiculopathy. Six patients had lumber disc herniation and one patient had cervical disc hernition. Surgical intervention was offered to them but all patients refused and were treated conservatively. Initial MRI was done at presentation and repeated in follow up. Results: Seven patients were identified with a mean age of 35.5 years (range from 28 to 47). Five patients were male and 2 were female. All patients recovered from their radicular pain within a mean of 5 weeks (Range 3-8) of conservative treatment. Repeated MRI after a mean 12 months (Rang 6-18) showed spontaneous resorption of the herniated intervertebral disc in all patients. Conclusion: Herniated intervertebral disc can be resorbed spontaneously. A chance of conservative treatment should be given to patients with radicular pain caused by intervertebral disc herniation with no neurological deficits. If patients report improvement of his symptoms, conservative therapy should be continued. If there is no improvement, surgery should be considered. The reasonable duration of conservative therapy may two months. (2016ESJ095)