Herniated disc
A herniated disc in nagpur is basically an impairment to one of the spongy pads, known as the disks, between the bones that stack to form of the spine. These bones are known as vertebrae.
A spinal disk contains a soft, jelly-like center called a nucleus. The nucleus is a surrounded by a tougher, more rubbery outer layer, known as the annulus. A herniated disk happens when some of the nucleus pushes out through a tear in the annulus. Sometimes this is called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk.
Any part of the spine can experience a herniated disk; however, it commonly occurs in the lower back. Basically, the effects of a herniated disk are pain, numbness, and weakness in an arm or a leg, depending on where the herniated disk is.
People often do not experience any symptoms from the herniated disk. Those who experience symptoms may find that their symptoms resolve with time. On such a premise, the problems usually do not require surgical intervention to relieve them.
What is a herniated disk?
A herniated disk is an injury of a spine (backbone). You have a series of bones, called the vertebrae, in your spine that stretches from the base of your skull to your tailbone. Between your vertebrae are round cushions known as disks. The disks act as a buffers between your bones so that you can bend or move with ease. If one of these disks tears or leaks, it is called a herniated disk.
A herniated disk is sometimes called a slipped, ruptured or bulging disk. In fact, the medical term commonly used in the United States is slipped disk. Usually, one of the most frequent causes of neck, back, or leg pain, herniated disks often recover completely with or without even simple home-care remedies.
Are herniated disks common?
Every year, approximately 2% of people acquire the herniated disk. Herniated disks are the leading cause of neck and/or arm, or back and/or leg pain (sciatica). A herniated disk can occur anywhere along the spine, but most commonly, it affects the lower back or the neck. Herniated disks in the mid-back are rarely found.
Causes:
- Degeneration: Over time, spinal discs can lose their water content and become less flexible, making them prone to tears.
- Injury or Trauma: Sudden movements, falls, or lifting heavy objects can cause a disc to rupture.
- Repetitive Strain: Repetitive activities that strain the spine, such as bending, lifting, or twisting, can increase the risk.
- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to the herniated discs.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the herniation and whether it compresses a nerve:
- Lower Back (Lumbar Spine):
– Sciatica: Sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down through the buttocks or legs.
– Leg pain: Pain, tingling, or numbness that usually affects one side of the body.
– Weakness: Difficulty lifting or holding items, or walking due to leg weakness. - Neck (Cervical Spine):
– Neck pain: Sharp or radiating pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms.
– Arm pain: Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms and fingers. - Thoracic Spine (Middle Back):
– Less common but may cause pain radiating to the chest or abdomen.
Diagnosis:
- Physical Exam: Evaluation of reflexes, muscle strength, and pain response to determine nerve involvement.
- Imaging Tests:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The most commonly used test to visualize herniated discs and nerve compression.
- CT Scan: Sometimes used to get detailed images of the spine.
- X-rays: Used to rule out other causes of back pain, such as fractures.
- Myelogram: A special type of X-ray that uses dye to detect pressure on the spinal cord.
Treatment Options:
- Non-surgical Treatments:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Short-term rest and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
- Medications:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like a ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
- Muscle relaxants: To reduce muscle spasms.
- Corticosteroids: Oral and injectable steroids to reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the nerves.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Cortisone injections into the space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Surgical Treatment (if conservative treatments fail):
- Discectomy: Removal of the portion of the herniated disc pressing on the nerve. This can be done as:
- Microdiscectomy: A minimally invasive surgery using a small incision.
- Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebra (lamina) to create more space for the spinal cord or nerves.
- Spinal Fusion: If the spine is unstable, two or more vertebrae may be fused together to stabilize the spine.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: In some cases, the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial one to maintain spinal movement.
- Discectomy: Removal of the portion of the herniated disc pressing on the nerve. This can be done as:
Recovery:
- Non-surgical: Most people improve with rest, medication, and physical therapy within a few weeks to months.
- Surgical: Recovery can take a few weeks, with physical therapy needed to help regain strength and mobility.
Prevention:
- Maintain proper posture: Especially when sitting, lifting, or standing for long periods.
- Exercise regularly: Strengthen core muscles to support the spine.
- Use proper lifting techniques: Lift with your legs, not for your back.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on a spine.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can accelerate disc degeneration.
Who gets herniated disks?
The disorder is common among 30-50 years of age. The condition is twice as likely to occur in men compared to women. Other risk factors include:
- Sitting in one position for long periods of a time.
- He is obese.
- Lifting heavy objects.
- Repetition of bending or twisting motions due to work, sports, or other hobbies.
- Smoking.
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