Herniated disc: Definiton, Symptoms, Diagnostic, Treatement

Herniated disc is a lesion of the spine characterized by the movement of a part intervertebral disc. It can lead to compression of a nerve passing near and pains throughout the area innervated by this nerve. This pathology occurs, in many cases, between 30 and 50 years.

Definition

Herniated disc is a condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae. These discs carry a cushion. They help mitigate shocks and facilitate the mobilization at the spine. They also play a role in the alignment of the vertebrae between each other. The herniated disk appears as an abnormal protrusion, that is to say an exteriorisation of an intervertebral disc.

Symptoms

The herniated disc is characterized by intense pain located in the hernia area. Pain may extend toward a zone of a member because it can compress a nerve passing near. In some cases, however, the hernia causes no symptoms. The most common locations are located at of the lower vertebrae, including discs between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae and between 5th lumbar and sacral first. In case cervical hernia, it may well being responsible of a cervicobrachial neuralgia with tingling sensation called paresthesia, particularly in the neck, up to arms. Breach in the last lumbar vertebrae, symptoms may be as sciatica with back pain that may extend to the thigh to the toes and on the path of the nerve concerned.

Diagnostic

The diagnosis is suspected on the description of pain by the patient, location and clinical examination. Additional tests are prescribed, like a radio spine at the painful area, a CT scan or MRI. These tests can confirm the diagnosis and to locate the hernia.

Treatment

The treatment is based about rest, administration of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants. In some cases, infiltration are performed. Treatment often is associated with some physical therapy. Surgery may be considered in patients with severe impairment.

Surgery

In the absence of improvement in medical treatment and persistence of severe pain, surgery may be considered. Laminectomy, performed on the spine is designed to remove a portion of the vertebral bone called the vertebral lamina and be able to  remove the hernia to decompress the nerve. Another qualified technique for microsurgical  can be less decaying and hope much as in the laminectomy, the disappearance of painful symptoms. In some cases, however, even despite a correctly performed operation, clinical signs may persist.

Prevention

The occurrence of a herniated disc can be prevented by applying a few precautions: protect the back during activities or during raising heavy things (avoid bending forward, bend your legs and rise slowly) practicing "soft" sports for the back: swimming or cycling for example.