What is a herniated disc?

During movement, the vertebrae of a person are cushioned by intervertebral discs, which have a spongy structure and an oval shape. Gradually, over the years, the discs wear out, and their correct position is disrupted.

There are several types of spinal disc degeneration:

• The stage of damage or swelling is the exit of the nucleus pulposus (the internal component of the disc) beyond its natural location, protruding in the direction of the fibrous ring. This deformation can cover more than half of the circumference of the intervertebral disc.
• Protrusion - a protrusion of the nucleus pulposus protrudes into the spinal canal, but does not yet leave the fibrous ring.
• A herniated disc is damage to the fibrous ring with a possible exit of the nucleus pulposus beyond its limits.

Types of protrusion

Central or median protrusion

The disc bulges in the direction of the center of the spinal canal. There is a risk of the pathology affecting the spinal cord. Median protrusions usually do not manifest themselves in any way, and treatment is carried out in rare cases.

Lateral or lateral protrusion

This type of protrusion is expressed in a right-sided or left-sided bulge relative to the spinal column. When the protrusion is localized laterally, there is a high probability of pressure on the spinal nerve roots. This anomaly occurs infrequently, approximately 10% of the time. Until there is a collision with nearby nerve roots, there are no symptoms at all.

Posterolateral protrusion

The most common type of disc protrusion. Its name speaks for itself: it moves backward and to the side relative to the axis of the spinal column. This location of the protrusion has a high risk of affecting not only the nerve roots on both sides, as happens with lateral disc protrusions, but also the rest of the spinal cord. A posterolateral protrusion may be asymptomatic until mechanical action on the nerve endings begins.

Posterior protrusion

This concept characterizes the direction of the protrusion from the abdomen to the back. Almost always, this localization directly affects the structures of the spinal cord. Pain attacks occur, sensitivity and motor skills are impaired, as well as the functioning of the pelvic organs.

Protrusion of intervertebral discs: symptoms

Some orthopedic doctors consider protrusion and herniated disc to be equivalent diseases. However, there are cases when the diagnosis must be clarified. At the base of the spine is the spinal cord and nerve roots that strive from the spine and connect various parts of the body with the central nervous system. A disc protrusion puts pressure on the nerve endings of the spinal column, which can be expressed as:

• pain, numbness;
• tingling in the limbs;
• stiffness or soreness;
• lumbosacral radiculitis;
• loss of elasticity and mobility;
• chronic back pain;
• muscle weakness.

If a person has a spinal protrusion, the symptoms of its manifestation are quite individual and depend on the cause of the disc damage and subsequent localization. For example, if there are cervical protrusions, symptoms may appear in the shoulder, and the symptoms of a lumbar protrusion are weakness in the lower limbs. In the thoracic spine, disc protrusions are quite rare.

The forms and number of signs of protrusion are influenced by its genesis. It is not enough to accurately determine the location and details of the protrusion through a regular consultation with an orthopedic doctor. It is also necessary to use visualization methods (MRI of the spine or CT of the spine).

How not to make a mistake

The older a person becomes, the less often he is surprised by the appearance of pain in the back. He even perceives it as "payback" for an unhealthy lifestyle, passion for serious sports or work with lifting heavy loads. That is, we associate back pain with lifting heavy bags when we go from the grocery store, sitting all day at a table with a crooked posture, etc. We confidently diagnose ourselves and "knowledgeably" prescribe treatment. Basically, the medicine is painkillers and warming / cooling ointments. At the same time, we are in no hurry to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor who will conduct a detailed examination and prescribe gentle treatment. We most often start going to doctors when surgery can no longer be avoided.

Let's think about it. What could we be doing wrong that our back responds with pain syndrome? What factors can trigger the formation of a protrusion of the intervertebral disc?

It's simple. We slouch while walking, bend and twist our backs abruptly, prop our heads up with our hands and sit motionless for long periods of time in front of the computer, or, on the contrary, spend too much time standing on our feet, inappropriately distribute the load on our torso when lifting and carrying heavy objects, and wear heels that are too high.

The above actions, one way or another, can trigger aching or sharp back pain. However, do not think that the pain will definitely go away in a day, because these seemingly harmless habits can lead to serious consequences. Many diseases have similar symptoms, so it is better to play it safe and consult an orthopedist in advance than to suffer from thoughts of "how to live on" in the case of an advanced form of the disease.

How to treat a spinal protrusion

Protrusion treatment can be carried out using pharmaceuticals or point effects on the affected area. The latter includes the appointment of acupuncture, vacuum therapy, acupuncture, laser treatment. Of the medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, B vitamins, muscle relaxants are mainly prescribed.

Monitor your health and never despair if a back disease still catches up with you. A positive attitude and the best orthopedic doctors will cope with any ailment!