Herniated disc - a condition which is characterized by rupture of the fibrous ring of intervertebral disc, through which sticks out of the gelatinous nucleus pulposus disc.
Under the influence of fallen fragments of the intervertebral disc are:
"Detachment" of the intervertebral ligaments
compression of the spinal nerves,
distortion of the mobility of the vertebral-motor segment,
comes the inflammation and swelling of surrounding tissue
These characteristics and is due to the pain and forced posture in patients with disk herniation. With massive hernias of intervertebral compression can take place or the contents of the blood vessels spinal canal, which leads to paralysis of the lower body, disruption of the function of the bladder and intestines.
Among the causes of hernia of the intervertebral discs may be age 'wear' discs, and spinal injuries, in which the torn annulus disc. In this case, the nucleus pulposus in the center, which is in it under pressure, bulges out through the gap, resulting in a hernia and forms.
This protrusion of nucleus pulposus disc shows characteristic symptoms that are associated with compression of nerve roots, causing pain, numbness and weakness. For example, a herniated disc in the lumbar spine can manifest numbness in the buttocks and lower extremities. This complex of symptoms called sciatica. Sciatica - is the most characteristic manifestation of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. If, for example, herniation compresses the nerve roots are not, then there may be a pain in the back or anything.
In the case of numbness and severe weakness in the legs with simultaneous dysfunction of bladder and bowel, requiring urgent medical assistance. Such a condition is rare, but it is very serious. This so-called cauda equina syndrome.
Diagnosis of a herniated disc, above all, is a doctor interviewing a patient, in which he finds out the possible causes and risk factors for hernia. The main methods of diagnosis of hernia of the intervertebral discs are currently the two studies: CT and MRI.
Treatment of a herniated disc is, first, to eliminate pain. This is usually recommended when expressed pain at rest. However, if physical activity (slack) do not cause you pain, then you can continue physical activity.
Very good app helps relieve the pain of cold (eg ice pack) to the field of hernia for 10-15 minutes three times a day. Thermal procedures can also help, but the effect need to wait 2-3 days.
Have found wide application in the treatment of a herniated disc different painkillers. In general, these drugs belong to a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, it should be understood that to cure the hernia, these drugs are not able to, and in general, medical treatment of hernia is directed only to eliminate the pain.
It should be noted that usually a herniated disc may slowly pass by itself. Approximately half of these patients, hernia disappears within a month, and most - within 6 months.
However, if within six months, you will not get better, you will need surgery.
In addition, it is very important prevention of intervertebral hernia, especially if you already had the disease, or surgery to her about it.
Among the tips that can be given in terms of prevention of intervertebral disc herniation, is:
Take care of your back. Raising severity, carry the entire load on the legs, not your back. It is not recommended to bend your back forward, bend your knees more, and then get up.
Maintain correct posture. When you get up to keep the shoulders backwards and downwards, and the abdomen retracted.
Get regular special exercises.
Make sure the correct weight. With obesity joints and intervertebral discs undergo stress.
