A herniated disc or disc is a pathology that affects the spine and has important consequences for the quality of life of the affected person.
Actually, herniated discs are caused by wear or damage to the shock-absorbing discs that separate the vertebrae and allow the mobility of the spine. This herniated disc compresses the nerve roots in the area causing pain.
They tend to be more common in the lumbar and cervical area and less in the dorsal area. In the case of lumbar disc herniations, they are much more frequent in people under 50 years of age and can even cause work incapacity.
Symptoms and diagnosis of herniated disc
The most common symptom of a herniated disc is the appearance of low back pain (pain in the lower back), accompanied by sciatica, when the pain extends down the leg. The discomfort is exacerbated by coughing or sneezing. It is also common for paresthesia to appear, tingling in the extremities.
In the case of cervical hernia, the symptoms appear as cervical pain that radiates to the shoulder and arm. It may be accompanied by spasms and muscle weakness.
According to Bartolome Bearing Hereto, a specialist in neurosurgery at the Hospital de La Paz in Madrid, the above symptoms predict the existence of this annoying pathology. It is essential to perform a physical examination and accompanied by x-rays, an MRI or a scanner of the area.
Herniated disc treatment
The discomfort caused by herniated discs, especially in situations that make you incapacitated for work, can be treated in different ways, including, as a last resort, with surgery.
Most of those affected mitigate pain thanks to conservative treatments, which include the use of analgesic drugs, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and chiropractic sessions, and recommended physical exercise.
Surgery is only necessary in 5% of cases, according to Dr. Bearing, and normally in emergency situations or when the patient does not improve after 6 to 8 weeks of conservative therapy. There are two types of intervention, discectomy, which includes removing the herniated disc, and vertebral fusion with screws and plates, which eliminates low back pain by 60-80%. On some occasions, spinal fusion can be replaced by the use of artificial prostheses for the damaged disc, to maintain movement and flexibility in the area.