Lumbar Disc Herniation-Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Recovery and Exercises
The vertebrae are the bony building blocks of the human spine. Between each of the parts of the vertebrae are the discs with ligaments situated around the spine and discs. The spinal has seven vertebrae within the neck (cervical vertebrae), 12 vertebrae within the mid-back (thoracic vertebrae), and five vertebrae within the low back (lumbar vertebrae). Within the mid-buttock, beneath the fifth vertebra, is that the sacrum, followed by the tailbone.
The discs are pads that function as “cushions” between the vertebral bodies to attenuate the impactful movement on the vertebral column. Each disc is like a doughnut with a central soft component (nucleus pulposus). Ligaments are the soft fibrous tissues that tightly hold one bone to another. Ligaments tightly hold each of the vertebrae and surround each of the discs. When ligaments have an injury because the disc degenerates, localized pain within the area affected may result.
What is a herniated disc? What causes a herniated disc?
As described above, each disc of the spine is meant very similar to a doughnut. Because the disc degenerates from age or injury, the softer central portion can rupture (herniated) through the encompassing outer ring (annulus fibrous). This abnormal rupture of the centre part is disc Herniation or herniated disc.
What are the danger factors for a herniated disc?
Risk factors for a ruptured intervertebral disc include degeneration of the spine and work or bending of the spine.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
The symptoms of a ruptured intervertebral disc depend upon the precise level of the spine where the disc Herniation occurs and whether or not nervous tissue is being irritated. A disc Herniation might not cause any symptoms. However, disc Herniation can cause local pain at the extent of the spine affected.
If the disc Herniation occurs within the cervical spine, the pain may shoot down one arm and cause a stiff neck or spasm within.
If the disc Herniation is large, it can continue spinal nerves on each side of the body. It may result in severe pain down one or both lower extremities. There are often marked muscle weakness of the lower extremities and even incontinence of the bowel and bladder. This complication is medically called cauda equina syndrome.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
The doctor will suspect a ruptured intervertebral disc when the symptoms described above are present. The neurologic examination can reveal abnormal reflexes. The pain gets elicited when the straight leg rose when lying or sitting. It’s called a “positive straight leg raising test.” There is often an abnormal sensation within the foot or leg.
What is the treatment for a herniated disc?
Sometimes disc Herniation is accidentally detected when a test like an MRI performed for other reasons. If no symptoms are present, no particular treatment is vital.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatments for a ruptured intervertebral disc include:
Physical therapy
Muscle-relaxant medications
Pain medications
Anti-inflammation medications
Local injection of cortisone (epidural injections)
Surgical Operations.
* All people with a disc Herniation should take complete rest and avoid reinjuring the disc.
Sometimes, people with relatively severe pain can answer conservative measures, including:
• physiotherapy with an exercise regimen
• Cortisone injection or oral cortisone medication (such as methylprednisolone or prednisone), without the necessity for surgical intervention.
There is now a spread of surgical approaches to treat disc Herniation. Each operation is customized to the individual situation and depends on the spine condition around the disc affected.
Surgical options include:
Microdiscectomy using small surgical instruments open surgical repair (either from a posterior or anterior approach). The urgent operation is often necessary when cauda equina syndrome is present (reviewed above).
What exercises and stretches help to relieve a herniated disc?
Exercising isn't advised for brand spanking new symptoms of a ruptured intervertebral disc. On the other hand, building and maintaining strength in the back muscles and abdominal muscles is advisable to prevent and treat chronic back problems. Exercises such as walking, physical therapy, and yoga are beneficial for those with chronic back pain.
Simple stretching is often very beneficial for symptoms of a ruptured intervertebral disc. Stretching should be started slowly and carefully. Stretching involves stretching the rear during a backward bending position, called extension.
What health care professionals treat herniated discs?
Many different health care providers treat herniated discs that include:
Emergency-medicine physicians
Pain management specialists
Orthopedists
Rheumatologists and Neurologists.
What is the outlook for a herniated disc?
The outlook for a ruptured intervertebral disc depends on the severity and accompanying symptoms. While it's often possible to possess a complete recovery with conservative treatment measures, sometimes surgical intervention is needed due to persistent symptoms.
Is it possible to prevent a herniated disc?
Yes, the Prevention of a herniated disc is by avoiding injury to the spine.
