A Basic Overview

Spinal disc herniation occurs when the gelatinous center of an intervertebral disc exits through a crack or tear in the disc’s tough outer shell. This most commonly occurs as a result of degenerative changes that affect the spine as an individual ages. Sudden, severe impact – such as from a sports injury or car accident – can also cause spinal disc herniation, but is attributed to far fewer cases than the natural aging process.

The Responsibilities of Intervertebral Discs

Each pair of adjacent vertebrae (the bony structures through which the spinal cord travels) is separated by an intervertebral disc. These pad-like structures act as “shock absorbers” to lessen the amount of impact that’s placed on the vertebrae. Virtually every movement that we make is facilitated by our intervertebral discs, and this responsibility can eventually take its toll on the discs, causing them to gradually break down as we age. In turn, this makes intervertebral discs susceptible to herniation.

The Anatomy of an Intervertebral Disc

To have a thorough understanding of the condition, it may prove beneficial to have a basic understanding of a disc’s anatomy. An intervertebral disc has two components:

-Annulus fibrosus – The annulus fibrosus is the disc’s though outer shell. Over time, this shell can become hard, brittle, and less adept at supporting the body’s movements. These degenerative changes can sometimes lead to cracked or torn annuli fibrosi, which in turn can affect the tiny nerves that traverse the disc’s outer shell.

-Nucleus pulposus – A disc’s gelatinous center is called the nucleus pulposus. As an individual ages, their discs’ nuclei pulposi can dehydrate, making the discs less able to absorb and evenly distribute the impact that is placed on the neck and back. In the event that the disc’s annulus fibrosus develops a crack or tear, the nucleus pulposus can escape and seep into the spinal canal.

The Symptoms of a Spinal Disc Herniation

The nucleus pulposus contains an enzyme that can severely irritate the nerves that traverse the annulus fibrosus, causing localized pain and inflammation. Should the nucleus pulposus seep into the spinal canal and press against the spinal cord, a nerve, or nerve root, the patient can experience a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The exact location of these symptoms will vary based on which region of the spine is affected:

-Cervical spine – neck, upper back, shoulders, arms, and/or hands

-Thoracic spine – middle back, ribs, torso, and/or internal organs

-Lumbar spine – lower back, hips, buttocks, legs, and/or feet

Treating a Spinal Disc Herniation

Treatment for a herniated disc is primarily focused on alleviating the patient’s pain and discomfort. It almost always begins with a regimen of conservative, nonsurgical treatments, such as:

-The use of over-the-counter, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen

-Physical therapy

-The application of heat and/or ice

-Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, becoming more physically active, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption

In the event that conservative treatments fail to provide meaningful relief, a physician may recommend surgery. This could entail the complete removal of the affected intervertebral disc and the subsequent fusion of the two surrounding vertebrae during an open spine surgery. An operation of this magnitude can require several weeks or months of arduous rehabilitation. Some patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive procedure, during which the tear in the annulus fibrosus is cauterized and the expelled nucleus pulposus is removed. These procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis and can require a significantly shorter rehabilitation time than an open spine surgery.

Each type of surgery has its own unique risks and benefits, which should be evaluated with a physician before consent is given for surgical treatment. Patients may also benefit from receiving a second or third opinion before consenting to an operation.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of spinal disc herniation and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for spinal disc herniation and more. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/back_problems/disc_protrusion/lumbar/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of spinal disc herniation and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: spinal disc herniation