Disc Herniation
Disc Herniation Treatment in Vizag, India
A herniated disk is an injury of the backbone (spine). A spine consists of a series of bones stretching from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Between the vertebral bones, round cushion-like structures are present. These are called discs. Discs act as buffers between the bones facilitating movements such as bending. When one of the disks ruptures or tears, it's termed a herniated disc.
People aged between 30 to 50 are more likely to get a herniated disc. Men are more prone to this condition as compared to women. Herniated discs are the main cause of arm, neck, back or leg pain (sciatica). Generally, herniated discs occur in the lower back or neck. But, they can happen anywhere in the spine.
Symptoms of disc herniation
The symptoms of disc herniation depend on where the problem is located in the spine. Symptoms get better with rest and worsen with movement.
A herniated disc in the lower back or lumbar region causes "sciatic nerve" pain. This pain radiates from one side of the buttocks into the leg or foot. The symptoms of herniated discs in the lower back include:
-
Back pain
-
Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
-
Muscle weakness
Symptoms of herniated cervical discs include:
-
Pain near the shoulder blades
-
Pain traveling to the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers
-
Pain at the back and sides of the neck
-
Pain due to movements such as bending or turning
-
Tingling or numbness in arms
-
Muscle weakness due to the weakening of nerves
-
Difficulty in holding or lifting objects
Types of disc herniation
-
There are three types of herniated discs:
-
Disc protrusion- The condition is also known as "bulging discs". They occur when pressure exists between vertebrae that cause discs to bulge out or protrude outwards. The pain due to disc protrusion often gets unnoticed. However, the pain associated is generally mild.
-
Disc extrusion- A non-contained herniation is also called a disc extrusion. These extrusions cause severe back pain. They are also associated with tingling and numbness in the extremities as they cause pain in the surrounding nerves.
-
Sequestered herniation- When disc extrusions go unnoticed or untreated, they cause a sequestered herniation. In this condition, the vertebrae compress discs so forcefully that they rupture them.
Risk factors of Disc Herniation
Factors leading to lumbar disc herniation include:
-
Age- The condition can occur in people 35 to 50 years of age. It causes symptoms after 80 years.
-
Gender- Men are at higher risk of getting disc hernia as compared to women.
-
Physical work- Jobs that demand high physical labour or heavy lifting increase the risk of disc herniation. Constant pushing, pulling, and twisting can also add to the risk.
-
Smoking- Nicotine restricts the blood flow in spinal discs. It increases the rate of disc degeneration and inhibits healing. A degenerated disc can tear and crack easily causing a hernia.
-
Family history- A patient can have a disc hernia if someone from his family had the condition.
Diagnosis of Disc Herniation
At SRS ORTHO Hospitals, we provide the following ways for diagnosing disc hernias:
-
X-Rays- These do not detect the herniated discs, but determine the root cause of the condition such as a tumour, broken bone, infection, or spinal alignment issues.
-
CT Scan- A CT Scan takes X-rays from different directions and combines them to form images of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures.
People diagnosed with a disc herniation treatment should refer to the best doctor for Slipped Disc in Hyderabad specializing in orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation or neurosurgery. At SRS ORTHO Hospital, we have well-qualified medical practitioners who can help to treat disc hernia through the following ways:
Medications
-
Over-the-counter pain medications- In the case of mild to moderate pain, medications are helpful.
-
Injections are given in the spinal area for relief.
-
Muscle relaxers are prescribed to patients having muscle spasms.
Therapy- Physical therapy can help to reduce pain by suggesting accurate positions and exercises.
Surgery- Patients with severe disc hernia end up with surgery. Surgery is suggested when conventional treatments fail to reduce symptoms after 6 weeks. Patients can continue to have poorly controlled pain, difficulty in walking or standing, weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel control.
Generally, surgeons remove only the protruding part of the disc. However, in rare cases, the entire disc is removed. In such cases, a bone graft is used to connect the vertebrae.