Wednesday, 24 May 2017

An Insight Into Herniated Disc

By Marie Jackson


Aging generally affects the whole body, including the spine. On the other hand, individuals aged between 30 to 50 years remain at higher risks of developing slipped discs also called the herniated disc. Although estimations place almost half of adults to some extent of disc bulge, only 2% become severe enough to generate symptoms. Nevertheless, visiting a doctor will enable proper management and prevention of the condition suppose there are concerns with your spinal health.

Your spine is made up of stacks of bones called the vertebrae with cushions that separate them. The cushions are called the spinal discs which consist of soft interiors known as the nucleus pulposus and the sturdy cover known as the annulus fibrosus. When the cover erupts, outward pushes or ruptures will occur, a condition called disc herniation.

Disc herniation generally takes place in four stages. The initial stage is degeneration, where spinal discs lose their elasticity with age. The second stage is the prolapse, where the internal nucleus pulposus begins pushing against the external annulus fibrosus bringing about bulges. Extrusion is the third stage in which the nucleus pulposus penetrates the annulus fibrosus although they still will be held inside the discs. Finally, the nucleus pulposus then pushes out of the discs into the spinal canal, a stage called the sequestration.

Various symptoms of this condition exist and are largely connected to nerve function interferences and usually vary with the positioning of the destroyed. Lower back conditions will have symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling or weakness around the thighs and buttock while tingling, numbness and weakness will occur to the arm and shoulders when the condition is around the neck region. Other more general symptoms are such as reduced motor skills and coordination problems.

Other causes of this condition are such as injuries, and improper lifting which is a main cause of degenerated disc. These degenerations occur due to wear and tear with age. However, there are other factors that increase the risk of slipped discs. Such factors are such as sedentary lifestyle, aging, hereditary issues, smoking, and occupations that involve pulling and lifting.

Herniation of discs is, however, preventable by avoiding various risky activities like an improper lifting of loads as well as the maintenance of good spine health. In addition, a person will need to avoid smoking, maintain an ideal body weight, and also carry out exercises that will strengthen the trunk muscles.

Your doctor may utilize various techniques to conduct test and diagnosis for the condition. For instance, physical examinations will be necessary for determining the location of pain and the kind of movements that will trigger discomforts. Other tests are such as the neurological examinations used in assesses sensory responses, muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes. Your doctor can also utilize tests such as x-rays, MRI, and CT scan and nerve conduction tests.

Again the doctor may recommend conservative treatments at the initial stages of treatment. This includes physical therapy and general advice on keeping away from activities that aggravate the condition. However, surgical methods can be utilized in cases where conservative treatments fail. You can as well take prescribed medications to ease any discomforts and lessen muscle spasms and inflammation.




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