Lower pain can be caused by a herniated disc. This is a condition in which the lining of the intervertebral disc is destroyed, and its contents leak into the spinal canal. This disc herniation is not so simple. It is necessary to undergo treatment, because otherwise swelling, compression of nerve endings, detachment of ligaments between the vertebrae, impaired mobility of the vertebrae, and various inflammatory phenomena are possible. Possible complications include paralysis of the lower body.
Causes of disease
Hernia can appear in both adults and children. People over the age of 40 usually develop a bulging disc, which is equivalent to a herniated disc.
The disease manifests itself with significant loads, falling from a height on the buttocks or legs, improper lifting of weights. If the fibrous ring has already been damaged and its fibers have weakened, then even minor loads are dangerous.
The released nucleus pulposus affects the nerve endings and causes not only mechanical, but also chemical irritation. The result is pain, numbness of a part of the body, goosebumps, muscle weakness, absence or decrease in reflexes.
Diagnosis of herniated disc
A herniated disc is quickly identified by a correct diagnosis. Treatment will depend on its severity. First, the doctor asks the patient questions about injuries, the type of pain, weakness, and others. Based on the responses, a diagnostic method is selected.
- X-ray. Provides information about the severity of degenerative-dystrophic processes in the spine, excludes diseases with similar symptoms. An indirect sign of a hernia is a decrease in the height of the disc.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. An informative, painless method that causes no side effects.
- Computed tomography. To provide a complete picture, the doctor issues a referral for contrast myelography, which is combined with computed tomography. These methods are designed to distinguish a hernia from spinal stenosis and other spinal disorders.
- Electromyography. Reveals damaged nerves.
Herniated Disc: Treatment
Often a hernia requires only observation of symptoms and rest. If pain, weakness and numbness do not decrease, you need to reduce activity, take days off, try to be at rest for a few days. Then you need to gradually increase the load.
The following drugs are used to relieve pain: diclofenac sodium, tizanidine, celecoxib, tetrazepam, ibuprofen, as well as chondoprotectors, vitamins.
Severe pain is relieved by blockades -hormonal anti-inflammatory injections in combination with a local analgesic. They quickly stop pain and reduce inflammation.
Many people understand the seriousness of the diagnosis of a herniated disc. Treatment is used both traditional and innovative. Good osteopathy, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, hirudotherapy, homeopathy, gentle manual therapy. However, if the pain has gone, this does not mean that the disc herniation has passed. Further treatment is based on performing special therapeutic exercises, alternating load and rest.
In severe cases, operations are performed. A hernia and a destroyed disc are surgically removed, the spinal cord and spinal nerves are relieved of pressure, and conditions are created for the fusion of two adjacent vertebrae.
Every pain indicates to us a malfunction in the body. Do not wait for everything to go away by itself - contact a specialist in time. After all, this is your he alth!
