Inside the spine are bones referred to as vertebrae that are bones stacked on top of one another and separated by discs (shocks). The discs comprise soft gel-like components called the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus pulposus is surrounded by the annulus fibrosis so when there's a crack or tear inside it, a few of the soft gel portion of the disc may rupture with the tear resulting in pressure being applied to the spinal-cord or nerve resulting in a herniated disc.
This condition is often known as ruptured disc, extruded disc, bulging disc, free fragment and slipped disc. Even if this condition can be the consequence of trauma of the spine, it can occur if you find no cause whatsoever. There have been patients that recall experiencing a twisting motion or specific injury that may have resulted in an extruded disc, however some have stated they just awoke and the discomfort was already there.
Where will I Experience Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
You may experience uncomfortable symptoms if you have a herniated disc since it will press on a nerve and can cause symptoms where that nerve is. This condition can cause a condition results known as radiculopathy. This occurs whenever a disc pushes on the nerve that travels to the arm and causes pain that might seem to be originating from that area of the arm. When this disc affects the legs the problem is called sciatica.
When a person has this condition they may experience weakness and numbness or sensations of tingling. When a large ruptured disc is located in the neck it, it can cause spinal-cord damage and compression on the spinal cord. A large slipped disc in the lumbar area can cause bladder or bowel control difficulties.
Who is at risk of Getting a Herniated Disc?
Individual are at increased risk of getting a herniated disc when they participate in excessive lifting, twisting, and bending that put a strain on the discs located in the neck and lower back. Although the human body is made to sustain certain levels of lifting, twisting, and bending, there is however a limitation to how much it can endure.A person also has a heightened risk of getting a ruptured disc as they age when the disc of the spine become flatter and weaken. When a disc becomes too weak, there may be tearing of the outer portion. At these times, the inside area of the disc will push through this tear and press on the nerve alongside it.
How Will I understand if I have a Herniated Disc?
Receiving a complete history on the patient begins the entire process of determining if an individual has a herniated disc. Next is the physical exam. If a doctor suspects that there's a ruptured disc present, they'll follow the procedure for confirming it through diagnostic studies. A physician will likely order a really sensitive study known as a MRI in order to find out if a ruptured disc exists.
If the MRI doesn't show sufficient evidence then a myelogram in addition to a CT scan with the spine could provide additional information. These studies are excellent reasons for showing the spine's anatomy however; they don't show info on the nerves. An EMG/nerve conduction test may also help to determine if a ruptured disc is present.
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