Related articles: Herniated disc
Definition
The herniated disc is the result of the escape from its natural seat of the nucleus pulposus contained within the intervertebral disc; the latter represents a sort of shock absorber pad between one vertebra and another.
The nucleus pulposus consists of spongy tissue and, in turn, is contained in a cartilage shell (fibrous ring). The role of the fibrous ring is to hold the intervertebral disc anchored to its two vertebrae. The nucleus pulposus, therefore, comes into contact with the nervous structures contained in the spinal canal (spinal cord and roots).
Depending on the case, the herniated disc may affect the cervical, dorsal or lumbo-sacral sections of the spine.
The disorder can be the direct consequence of traumas that the spinal column undergoes during physical activity, following a weight lifting or due to the habit of incorrect positions. Back muscles and ligaments in the spine are also important in the appearance of the problem. Their weakening and thinning, in fact, hinders the task of containing the nucleus pulposus in its natural site. Aging, loss of elasticity of the intervertebral discs and deterioration of the spine increase the probability that a herniated disc will develop.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Ataxia
- Muscular atrophy and paralysis
- Muscular atrophy
- cruralgia
- Neck pain
- Elbow pain
- Chest pain
- Heel pain
- Hip pain
- Arm pain
- Back pain
- Muscular collation
- Tingling in the right arm
- Tingling in the Left Arm
- Tingling in the right hand
- Tingling in the head
- Tingling in the hands
- Tingling in the legs
- Sore legs
- Legs tired, heavy legs
- Insomnia
- hyperlordosis
- weakness
- Backache
- Paresthesia
- Rheumatism
- Stiffness in the muscles of the back and neck
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
Further indications
When the hernia is formed, the spongy pulpy nucleus can compress the nerve roots that protrude from the vertebral canal, causing intense pain that, depending on the affected anatomical region, can irradiate (brachialgia, sciatica). Pain can be widespread or easily localized.
Cervical disc herniation involves pain in the neck and shoulder, radiated to the arm.
The lumbar hernia leads to pain in the lower back (lumbago) and often continues to the lower limb, so it can also involve buttocks, thigh, leg and foot (sciatica).
In some cases, compression disorders may arise: at a first stage characterized by signs of irritation of the nervous structures, sensory and motor deficits take over. Weakness in the muscles, loss of sensation, numbness and tingling of the limbs, up to ataxia and ischemic damage can therefore occur.
In addition to a medical examination, radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging or CT scan of the spine are required. In most cases, spontaneous healing occurs or it is sufficient to resort to conservative treatment (rest, physiotherapy and drugs). However, if the hernia causes more and more serious neurological and motor disorders and such as to compromise the performance of daily activities, it is necessary to intervene surgically.
