Disc herniation
-A herniated disc is an event by which the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc bulges out through a tear or crack in the outer, tougher layer.
This common condition compresses the nerves beside it and causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
These symptoms may include leg pain, buttock pain, thigh pain, calf pain, foot pain, numbness or tingling and muscle spasms.
-Treatment would range from pain management, physical therapy, nerve conduction study and cortisone injection, and muscle relaxers.
– This surgery is seldom required; however, sometimes a diskectomy or spinal fusion is done.
Symptoms:
1. Pain, preferably in the back
2. Sciatica pain
3. Numbness or tingling
4. Weakness
5. Muscle spasm
Treatment methods:
1. Non-surgical therapy, such as physical therapy and pain management
2. Chiropractic
3. Surgery: discectomy or microdiscectomy, for instance
It is usually advisable to see a health care provider for treatment of a suspected herniated disc.
What Is a Disc herniation?
A slipped disc, sometimes known as a herniated disc, is the protrusion of the soft, gel-like inner substance of the spinal disc through a tear or crack in the outer, tougher layer of the disc. In this illness, the pressure on the local nerves can cause pain, numbness, and weakness of both the back and the legs.
A disc is a soft, spongy tissue designed to act as an absorber of shocks between the bones, also called vertebrae, in the spine. They comprise a firm outer layer named annulus and an inner soft, gel-like material called the nucleus.
In a herniation, the nucleus bulges out of a tear in the annulus, which can:
1. Apply pressure to nearby nerves
2. Cause pain, numbness, and tingling of the back and legs
3. It may cause spasm and weakness of muscles
The disc herniation might happen anywhere along the spine, but most of the cases occur in the lower part of the back, which is known as the lumbar spine, and the neck or cervical spine .
While in a case of disc herniation, take medical assistance in time. In this way, treatment at an early stage can prevent further pain and avoid further disorganization in the musculature of the back.
Anatomy of a Disc:
- Intervertebral Discs: Soft, cushion-like structures between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine that act as shock absorbers.
- Nucleus Pulposus: The soft, gel-like center of a disc.
- Annulus Fibrosus: The tough, fibrous outer ring of the disc.
Causes of Disc Herniation:
- Aging and Degeneration: Over time, discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more prone to tears and ruptures.
- Injury or Trauma: Sudden stress and strain on the spine, such as lifting heavy objects improperly, can cause a disc to the herniate.
- Repetitive Movements: Certain activities that involve bending, twisting, or lifting can put extra pressure on the discs over time.
- Genetics: Some people may have a predisposition to disc problems due to family history.
Symptoms:
- Aging and Degeneration: Over time, discs lose water content and elasticity, making them more prone to tears and ruptures.
- Injury or Trauma: Sudden stress and strain on the spine, such as lifting heavy objects improperly, can cause a disc to the herniate.
- Repetitive Movements: Certain activities that involve bending, twisting, or lifting can put extra pressure on the discs over time.
- Genetics: Some people may have a predisposition to disc problems due to family history.
Risk Factors:
- Age: Disc degeneration increases with age.
- Weight: Excess body weight adds stress to the discs.
- Occupation: Jobs that require physical labor, especially heavy lifting or repetitive movements, can increase the risk.
- Smoking: Smoking may reduce oxygen supply to the discs, accelerating degeneration.
Diagnosis:
- Physical Exam: A doctor may assess reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, and ability to move.
- Imaging Tests:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The most common imaging test for identifying herniated discs.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed images of a spine.
- X-rays: Though not as effective in visualizing soft tissue, they help rule out other causes of pain.
- Electromyography (EMG): To check for nerve damage.
Treatment:
Conservative Treatment:
- Rest: Short periods of rest, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
- Medications:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation.
- Muscle Relaxants: To relieve muscle spasms.
- Corticosteroids: Oral and injected steroids to reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to the strengthen back muscles or improve flexibility.
- Heat/Ice Therapy: To reduce pain and inflammation.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Direct injection of steroids into the affected area of the spine to reduce inflammation and pain.
Recovery:
- Non-Surgical Recovery: Many patients recover from a herniated disc within 6-8 weeks with non-surgical treatments.
- Post-Surgery Recovery: Depending on the procedure, recovery may take a few weeks to several months, followed by physical therapy.
Prevention:
- Maintain Good Posture: Proper posture reduces strain on the spine.
- Exercise Regularly: Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can prevent future injuries.
- Lift Properly: Use your legs, not your back, when lifting heavy objects.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing stress on your spine.
What procedures Disc herniation?
Some of the common surgeries to treat disc herniation include:
-Open Discectomy: Surgeons remove by surgery through an open procedure, the herniated part of the spinal disc.
-Endoscopic Spine Surgery: Surgeons use an endoscope with minimal incision in removing the herniated part of the disc.
-Laminotomy or Laminectomy: Parts or the entire lamina are removed by the surgeons in repairing a herniated disc.
Spinal Fusion: This is the process where two bones are joined using screws; this might be required after the procedure known as laminotomy or laminectomy. Artificial Disc Surgery: Here, surgeons simply replace the damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. Diskectomy: In this procedure, surgeons remove the damaged portion of the herniated disc in the spine.
At our Neurosys Multispeciality Center, we perform several key procedures including Craniotomy, which is primarily for the excision of brain tumors; V-P Shunt Surgery for treating hydrocephalus; surgeries for epilepsy; and operations targeting brain stem glioma. Beyond these, we offer a range of other neurosurgical services. If you have any questions that are not answere, please contact us through our Contact Us or Book your Appointment.