A herniated disc is characterized by a bulging disc that can cause symptoms such as back pain and a burning sensation or numbness, usually in the cervical or lumbar region.
The disc is a fibrocartilage structure that serves to prevent direct contact between one vertebra and another and to cushion the impact of a jump, for example. So, a herniated disc, or discopathy as this condition is also known, impairs the function of the disc itself and puts pressure on other important structures of the spine, such as the nerve root or spinal cord.
Depending on the location and severity, the herniated disc must be identified and treated by an orthopedist. In the most severe cases, drug treatment, physical therapy, or surgery may be indicated. Nowadays, surgeries to treat herniated disc have evolved and are the solution for many patients suffering from this painful problem. With less invasive procedures like innovative Racz catheterit is possible to improve the quality of life much faster.
According to the portal extra intervertebral disc pain is one of the most common causes of inability to work in Germany and accounts for more than a quarter of all absences from work nationwide.
Symptoms of a herniated disc
The symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the herniation, but in general these are the main ones
- Pain in the neck, mid-spine, or along the sciatic nerve (which includes the buttocks, thighs, and legs), which may also radiate to other areas such as the shoulder, arm, or rib.
- Difficulty moving the neck.
- Tingling and/or loss of strength in the arms, legs or feet.
- Impaired bladder or bowel function.
Pain from a herniated disc is usually worse with movement and can be made worse by coughing, laughing, and urinating. It can come on suddenly or get worse over time.
Types of herniated discs
A herniated disc can be classified into a few types depending on the region of the spine where it occurs:
- Cervical disc herniation: affects the neck region
- Thoracic disc herniation: affects the middle back
- Lumbar disc herniation: affects the lower back.
In addition, a herniated disc can also be classified according to the shape of the disc, with the most important forms being distinguished:
- Bulging Disc Herniation: This is the most common form where the disc nucleus remains intact but the oval shape has already been lost.
- Extruded herniated disc: when the core of the disc is deformed, eg in the form of a teardrop.
It is important that the location and nature of the herniated disc be identified through imaging studies so that the orthopedic surgeon can specify the most appropriate treatment for the situation.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of a herniated disc is initially made by the orthopedic surgeon based on the person's symptoms and physical examination. However, it is important that imaging studies are performed to assess the disc, its thickness, the exact location of the herniated disc, and the nature of the herniation. The most important examination is magnetic resonance imaging.
The X-ray does not show the fracture clearly, but it may be enough to show the alignment of the spine and the integrity or destruction of the vertebrae. In some cases, therefore, the doctor may first order an X-ray and, based on the result of the X-ray, order an MRI or CT scan to assess the severity.
main causes
The word spine says it all about the importance of this structure in our body. It is the balance center of the human musculoskeletal system and forms the basis for stabilizing our body. It allows a perfect distribution of the forces and movements that we carry out in everyday life or during sports.
It's no wonder that many spinal injuries result from an imbalance and misalignment of this structure. In other words, poor posture is undoubtedly the big villain of spinal ailments.
There is a correct posture for every movement we perform, even if we are in a static position. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it is not always possible to follow all the rules, but we can still take care not to overload our muscles and joints.
How to correct your posture
The most important thing is that you never overload just one part of the body, because the bones have to carry the same weight. For example, when you're sitting, you should never carry the weight on just one leg and leave the other slack. It is important that you learn not to waste energy when performing movements or in a static position and to balance the weight of the body. Some tips to avoid postural problems:
Avoid doing household chores while standing with your upper body fully bent. When ironing laundry, the table should be high enough so that the person does not have to bend down. Another tip is to use a footrest and alternate feet if you are uncomfortable. When putting on shoes, do not bend towards the floor, but sit down and bring your foot to your knee.
Also when going to bed it is important to choose a good mattress or a foam mattress to distribute the weight of the body well, to use a good pillow and to have the right posture in bed.
It is essential that you work in a less harmful posture. If you work sitting down, your arms should be hanging at your sides or your forearms should be resting on the desk. Avoid twisting your whole body, stand up, or use a convenient chair that you can swivel easily to pick up something, talk to someone, or throw paper in the trash can.
If you are with one computers work, try to adjust the screen so that the top edge is at eye level with the horizon and keep your chin parallel to the floor. When reading, avoid having to lower your head as much as possible, so always keep the book, phone or tablet at eye level.