How to treat herniated disc? What should you know to take care of it or prevent it if possible? Stay with us to learn!
Taking care of our body also includes a fundamental part such as the spine. With this we can prevent the appearance of pathologies such as herniated disc.
Experts such as Dr. José Miguel Guijarro (head of the Spine Surgery Unit of the HM Montepríncipe University Hospital) estimate that about 80% of the population will suffer from lumbar problems such as herniated disc or lumbago throughout their lives. Do you want to discover the best treatment for a herniated disc?
The progressive appearance of this type of problems in the spine seems to be associated with population aging, postural hygiene, being overweight or lifestyle habits. This article delves into this problem, prevention and treatment of herniated disc.
Do you know your spine?
Our spine is made up of 24 bones or vertebrae in charge of supporting the trunk of our body and protecting the spinal cord. Did you know?
In fact, between each pair of vertebrae we find the intervertebral discs, within each disc there is a soft gel-like substance called nucleus pulposus. This substance serves as a shock absorber for friction between vertebrae in addition to absorbing the impact of our actions.
This chain of bones is classified into sections: 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, sacrum and coccyx. Herniated disc appears more frequently in cervical and lumbar areas.
Definition of herniated disc
Our intervertebral discs can suffer excessive pressure or wear causing a break in the wall that contains the gelatinous nucleus. When this happens, the gelatinous substance flows out into the intervertebral space, occupying it.
The release of this lubricating gel in the space that separates the vertebrae generates pressure and constriction on the nerves that pass through the spinal canal, or on the spinal nerves, generating pain in the extremities. This is called a herniated disc.
Cause and risk factors of herniated disc
The natural age-caused deterioration is one of the most common causes. In fact, the aging of our body is associated with the loss of density and fluid content of the intervertebral discs, which are reduced in size and resistance to impact.
Regarding the risk factors we can find:
- Loading heavy objects improperly: Using the strength of the back and not the legs when lifting, as well as rotating the spine or making sudden movements can contribute to injuries.
- Intense and continuous physical activities: those actions that involve a repeated impact on our spine can wear down the wall that contains the nucleus of the intervertebral discs increases our vulnerability.
- Lack of postural hygiene: sitting in inappropriate postures for long periods of time can cause wear and pressure on the inervertebral discs.
- Sedentary lifestyle: when our body lacks healthy habits of physical exercise, our locomotor system weakens and the muscles can lose tone. The column is, therefore, receiving more weight and pressure, thus increasing the wear of the shock absorbing discs.
- Overweight: being overweight is associated with increased pressure supported by the joints and spine, raising the level of wear and tear.
What are the symptoms?
We will talk about the symptoms associated with the two most frequent locations of a herniated disc.
1.Cervical disc herniation
Neck and arm pain is the initial sign of spinal nerve involvement. It appears in the form of a constant dull pain when moving the neck that radiates towards the arm and hand.
When the symptoms vary towards tingling in the extremities, numbness or the presence of weakness in the arms and hands, we can suspect that the affectation is more serious.
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Lumbar disc herniation
Shooting pain may develop down from the back to the affected leg, hip, or buttock. This is because the sciatic nerve experiences inflammation that’s causing the discomfort. Standing or sitting for a while or bending can aggravate the pain.
Once again, the presence of sensations of tingling or weakness can be a symptom of a greater affectation. In fact, it is accompanied by problems lifting the legs or even loss of vision control.
Diagnostic tests
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination where the doctor evaluates the condition of the spine, arms, and lower extremities. Then, aspects related to mobility, flexibility or sensitivity will be taken into account. If necessary, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI can be used.
How to treat herniated disc?
Non-surgical treatments
How to treat herniated disc if no surgery is necessary? When surgery is not necessary, herniated disc treatment can alleviate pain. In general these methods include:
- Physical rest. Avoiding activities that have promoted wear or making movements gently will help our body to recover. Taking between 1 and 2 days off can be a good option to combat present symptoms.
- Use of anti-inflammatory drugs. Under the supervision of a professional, certain medications intended to treat inflammatory processes can improve our symptoms.
- Physiotherapy. With professional help, some exercises that help strengthen the trunk muscles may be recommended in cases of herniated disc.
- Epidural steroid injections. Its effect is to reduce inflammation in a targeted way.
- Natural medicine. They are based on the anti-inflammatory principles associated with certain plants or foods. An example would be the infusions of willow bark, 2 to 3 times a day.
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Surgical treatments
In some cases, the best treatment option for a herniated disc is surgery. The two possibilities that are doctors carry out today are:
- Decompression surgery: there’s an enlargement of the space through which the spinal cord passes, relieving tingling and weakness.
- Disc replacement: When the herniated disc excessively affects the intervertebral disc, it can be removed and replaced by an artificial one.
Prevention of herniated disc
Some tips would be:
- Get physical exercise. Moderate physical exercise (fast walking or light running) can help our intervertebral discs regenerate, preventing the appearance of a herniated disc (Belavý et al., 2017).
- Exercise your back muscles to maintain their tone and help reduce pressure on your spine.
- Maintain a proper weight.
- Perform the movements smoothly and avoid weight bearing improperly.
- Take care of your postural hygiene, especially if you must sit or stand for long periods of time.
Consult with your doctor about the best prevention and treatment options for a herniated disc. In fact, they better than anyone will be able to guide you in this regard. And remember: modify your habits, put aside being sedentary and pay attention to how you exert your strength when lifting objects.
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