The human spine consists of a single bone called the vertebra. There is a natural cushion between each vertebra, the intervertebral disc. The main function of these discs is to absorb shock and compression and allow for easy spinal movement. With age or disease, the structural integrity of the disc may be compromised, causing the disc to protrude or protrude. Let's see what happens to the disc herniation, why it causes symptoms, and how to treat it.
Most disc herniations can be attributed to degenerative changes that occur within the intervertebral disc due to aging. The intervertebral disc is composed of an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer known as the ring is essentially a tough fiber ring. The inner layer or core is the core of the gelatinous material. As we age, the intervertebral disc becomes less hydrated, losing elasticity and flexibility. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc also causes small tears in the fibers of the outer ring. In fact, these small ruptures are thought to first appear around the age of 25. These perforations allow the core to leak or puncture from the disc.
What is the difference between triggering and disc herniation? Although many people mistakenly use these two terms interchangeably, there are differences. When an unhealthy intervertebral disc loses its structural integrity due to a fracture in the outer annulus, the intervertebral disc may lose its normal shape and protrude beyond the area it normally occupies. This is often referred to as a bulging disc and is generally more common than disc herniation.
Prominent disc herniation occurs when the core escapes the disc through the small tears in the outer ring we discussed earlier. Although raised discs are usually more common, disc herniation is actually more likely to cause symptoms and complications. Protruding discs often develop into true disc herniation, which may explain why many people think they are the same.
Disc herniation is most common in the lower back, most likely because this area of the spine is subject to maximum stress and strain over time. Although the lumbar spine is the most common, intervertebral disc herniation can also occur in the neck and midback. Although disc herniation and bulging do not always cause symptoms, let us see how and why they often do so.
The spinal nerve branches from the spinal cord between the spinal bones and near the disc. When the disc protrudes or protrudes into the space around the spinal nerves, it exerts pressure on the nerve roots. In addition, natural biochemical byproducts of degeneration of the intervertebral disc will chemically stimulate adjacent spinal nerve roots. These events can cause pain and other symptoms. Symptoms commonly associated with disc herniation or bulging include: numbness, tingling, pain in the legs or arms, muscle weakness, and pain from coughing, sitting, pulling, or sneezing. If the prominent disc protrudes from the neck, the symptoms will mainly affect the neck, arms, hands, fingers and upper body. Discs with prominent lumbar spine usually affect patients with symptoms below the waist.
Late disc herniation of the lower back can cause a condition called cauda equina syndrome. The characteristics of cauda equina syndrome are the gradual loss of sensation in areas that contact the saddle: for example, the back of the thigh, the inner thigh, and the genital area and the rectum. Intestinal and bladder dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and dysuria, is an additional warning sign for this condition even if the bladder is full. Although rare, cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition that indicates that the spinal nerve roots are under dangerous pressure. This is a medical emergency that requires timely surgery.
You may want to know what causes the disease of the disc. There are several factors that increase the risk of disc herniation in patients. Some studies have shown the existence of genetic components. Age is another risk factor, and disc herniation is most common in middle age; about 35 to 50 years old. Height and weight gain are also associated with an increased risk of disc herniation. Smoking increases the risk of disc herniation because it reduces the oxygen and nutrients available to the disc.
How to diagnose disc herniation? Healthcare providers diagnose disc herniation primarily by recording medical history and performing physical examinations. Specific signs, symptoms and orthopedic findings can tell your doctor if you have a disc herniation. Since the intervertebral disc does not appear on standard X-rays, the diagnosis is usually confirmed by specialized imaging [eg MRI].
The treatment of disc herniation depends on a variety of factors, including age, persistence and severity of the symptoms, as well as a variety of other factors. Standard medical treatments may include drugs for pain and inflammation, injections, and surgery. In many cases, the condition of the disc can resolve itself over time, so conservative treatment and more invasive options are usually recommended before surgery.
Chiropractors can be a valuable asset for patients with disc herniation or bulging. The spine doctor's doctor is trained to diagnose and treat the dislocation and dysfunction of the spine. There are also many chiropractic techniques, nutritional supplements and treatments that can help alleviate the pain and muscle tension associated with disc disease. The chiropractor can also help patients reduce the likelihood of disc herniation. This can be done by providing lifestyle change advice, nutrition and ergonomic advice, and core strengthening and waist stabilization exercises to help strengthen the muscles that stabilize the back.
Many people panic when diagnosed with disc herniation, fearing that diagnosis means surgery is inevitable. Over time, many cases have indeed been treated conservatively. In fact, the results of the study showed that about 10% of patients with disc herniation had warning symptoms and eventually received surgery. Contact a chiropractor or other qualified health care provider to discuss your specific case and various conservative treatment options.
Orignal From: Disc herniation - conservative treatment and chiropractic treatment
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