Herniated Disc Symptoms Treatment – Causes, prevention of herniated discs

Herniated Disc (Disk, Herniated; Herniation of Nucleus Pulposus [PST]; Prolapsed Disc; Ruptured Disc; Slipped Disc)

What is a herniated disc – Description of a herniated disc

The intervertebral discs – small O-ring seal between the bones in the bones called vertebrae pozvonochnike.Eti. The intervertebral discs may shrink, and act as shock absorbers for the vertebrae. A herniated disc occurs, when discs in the spine bulge or rupture, and are located within the nucleus pulposus shifts. Hernia occurs most frequently in the lower part of the spine.

A herniated disc causes of

A herniated disc may occur, when the liquid content decreases drives, they become flatter, and do not provide proper cushioning. Herniated disc may also occur, when the disc is damaged by injury.

Risk factors for a herniated disc

Factors increasing the likelihood of developing a herniated disc:

• Age: from 30 to 40 years;
• Trauma from a fall, accident or sudden twisting of the spine;
• The load on the back – or repetitive, or sharp, eg, from lifting heavy weights;
• Some workers profession, which require high physical loads on the spine;
• Smoking;
• Obesity;
• Diabetes.

Herniated Disc symptoms

Symptoms of a herniated disc may include:

• Pain:
  • It may be acute, stupid, stitching, burning or throbbing, depending on the size of the disc herniation and;
  • It may spread to the back, buttocks, reaching the thighs and calves;
  • It may be felt in one or both legs;
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs, feet, or one or both arms;
• In severe cases, – discomfort, even when lying down;
• Sudden pain or twisting of the neck. If you try to straighten the neck, a strong pain;
• Cauda equina syndrome – It involves a violation of the bowel or bladder and / or numbness in the groin area;
  • This is a dangerous health situation, with the need to immediately seek medical help.

Herniated Disc Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. There will be an examination of the spine, tested range of motion, strength and reflexes in the hands and feet.

To take pictures of internal structures of the body, the following methods:

• MRT;
• CT scan;
• Bone scan.

Herniated Disc Treatment

Methods of treating a herniated disc may include:

Physiotherapy herniated discs of the spine

There may be used the following treatments:

• Massage the neck or back and physiotherapy, that:
  • Relax the neck or back muscles;
  • Relieve pain;
  • Increase strength and mobility of the spine;
• Exercises to strengthen the spine and press;
• Hot or cold packs, to reduce pain and muscle spasms;
• Chiropractic;
• The use of special devices, allowing to reduce the pressure on the discs and help in movement;
• Corset or fix a herniated disc in the neck, to relieve muscle spasms.

Herniated disk – medicines

Your doctor may recommend taking the following medicines:

• Painkillers, prodayushtiesya without prescription, Taki how ibuprofen or naproxen;
• Analgesic prescription;
• Muscle relaxants, to reduce muscle spasms.

Interventional procedures to treat a herniated disc

Interventional procedures for the treatment of spine may include:

• Steroid injections into the area around the nerve and disc, to reduce pain and inflammation; injection used, if other drugs are ineffective;
• Minimally invasive procedures, which may include:
  • Nucleoplasty;
  • Intervertebral disc annuloplasty (BECAUSE);
  • Hemonukleozis.

Herniated disk – operation – Surgical treatment of disc herniation

The operation can be assigned, if other treatments have proved ineffective. Immediate surgery is necessary for the treatment of cauda equina syndrome. Options include:

• Laminectomy – removing some of the bones of the spine and disc problem;
• Microdiscectomy – removal of fragments of herniated disc through a small incision; This procedure is also known as intervertebral diskectomy;
• Spondylosyndesis – Compound vertebrae together using bone grafts or metal rods; rarely performed.

Herniated disk – prevention

To reduce the probability of occurrence of a herniated disc, proceed as follows:

• Stick to a normal posture. Keep your back straight when sitting and walking;
• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor about exercise, help to strengthen the back and abdomen;
• Do not wear high-heeled shoes;
• If you sit for long periods of time, Use the special chair, keep your knees higher than your hips.