Herniated disc is one of the most common spinal pathologies that affects a large percentage of the population. Adequate treatment in time is important to avoid more serious pathologies that may affect the patient's quality of life in the short and long term. If symptoms appear, it is recommended to go to a specialist traumatologist.
What is a herniated disc?
Disc herniation is one of the most common spinal column pathologies., its origin is found in the intervertebral discs, which are the structures found between the vertebrae and act as cushions.
Herniated discs are caused by a tear in the annulus fibrosus that surrounds the disc, it weakens and the intervertebral disc moves., which can cause pressure on nerves or nerve roots, causing acute pain or immobility in the patient.
Causes of herniated disc
The causes of herniated discs can be very varied, but the common factor is intervertebral disc displacement. This displacement can occur for various reasons, in addition, there are certain Risk factors that increase the chances of suffering from a herniated discFor example, a sedentary lifestyle. This is due to weakness of the muscles and loss of stability of the spine.
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Talk to a specialistIn many cases, the herniated disc is caused by trauma or spinal injuries, which affect the intervertebral disc, weakening it. Other times, it is due to wear and tear of the spinal cartilage.
Types of herniated disc
There are different types of herniated discs, depending on your location. First of all, it differentiates cervical disc herniation. This is located in the neck area and affects the intervertebral discs in the upper part of the spine.
On the other hand, there is the thoracic disc herniation, which is located in the middle part of the back and, finally, the lumbar disc herniation, which develops in the lower back and is the most common type of herniated disc. It is the type of hernia that is most serious, since it can cause pressure on the spinal cord, which can cause more severe pathologies.
Symptoms of herniated disc
Although in some cases the patient does not experience symptoms, usually, the Herniated discs cause different symptoms. First, the patient usually feels a sharp pain or radiating pain that may extend along the arms or legs.
In addition, when nerves are irritated or pressed, a sensation of numbness or tingling is common, which can also occur in the arms and legs. In many cases, the patient may experience immobility and stiffness in the spinal area.
Diagnosis of herniated disc
When a patient experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, they should go to a specialist traumatologist who can evaluate the symptoms and make a complete diagnosis. First, a physical examination will be carried out to study those points where the patient experiences the greatest degree of pain.
In most cases, Complementary imaging tests will be carried out, such as x-rays or MRIs, to determine the severity and exact location of the herniated disc.. In the most complex cases, computed tomography scans will be performed, which, through a combination of images, allow the bones, soft tissues and blood vessels of the human body to be studied.
In cases where there is suspicion of spinal cord compression, a neurological examination of the patient may be carried out., as well as a myelogram, which, using contrast material, allows the evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Treatments for herniated disc
Once a complete diagnosis of the pathology has been made, a treatment depending on the symptoms and the condition of the patient's hernia. Firstly, a treatment based on anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants is usually prescribed, with the aim of relieving the patient's possible pain. In other cases, corticosteroid injections can be applied, which help reduce the inflammation caused by the displacement of the intervertebral disc.
The treatment with physiotherapy in patients suffering from a herniated disc It is very beneficial, since through scheduled and individualized exercises, it can contribute to strengthening the muscles and can improve the stability of the spine.
In the most serious cases, it will be necessary for the patient to undergo surgery, in which the herniated disc is removed and an artificial disc is implanted that performs the same function as the removed one.
Spinal endoscopy to treat herniated discs
Spinal endoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that is indicated for the treatment of herniated discs, as well as for various pathologies such as canal stenosis. Thanks to it, a decompression of the nerve or spinal canal is achieved.
Although there are others Types of surgical interventions to treat herniated discs, such as microdiscectomy, laminectomy and discectomy, endoscopy is the least invasive technique that exists. Among its benefits, the patient's rapid recovery, minimal tissue damage, and low possibility of infections stand out.
For spinal endoscopy to be carried out, it is necessary that the professional who performs it is a specialist with extensive training and experience, thus achieving optimal results.
Herniated disc prevention
In many cases, The possibility of suffering from a herniated disc can be reduced by following certain guidelines and avoiding risk factorsFirst of all, body weight must be controlled, since the greater the weight, the pressure on the spine will be greater and, therefore, the probability of a herniated disc will increase. To do this, it is important to follow a healthy and balanced diet, as well as avoid a sedentary lifestyle by practicing low-impact sports activity.
On the other hand, it is advisable to strengthen the muscles of the abdominal area and back, with the aim of increasing the stability of the spine. In preventing herniated discs, it is important to carry out constant work to improve postural hygiene.
As explained, herniated disc is a very common pathology, to prevent it it is important to follow certain guidelines and take care of postural hygiene. Adequate and individualized treatment is important to help avoid chronic injury.
