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Herniated Discs - Herniation describes an abnormality of the intervertebral disc that is also known
as a "slipped," "ruptured," or "torn" disc. This
process occurs when the inner core (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc
bulges out through the outer layer of ligaments that surround the disc (annulus
fibrosis). This tear in the annulus fibrosis causes pain in the back at the point
of herniation. If the protruding disc presses on a spinal nerve, the pain may
spread to the area of the body that is served by that nerve. Between each vertebra
in the spine are a pair of spinal nerves, which branch off from the spinal cord
to a specific area in the body. Any part of the skin that can experience hot and
cold, pain or touch refers that sensation to the brain through one of these nerves.
In turn, pressure on a spinal nerve from a herniated disc will cause pain in the
part of the body that is served by that nerve.
Four Degrees of Disc Herniation:
Nuclear Herniation, Disc Protrusion, Nuclear Extrusion, and Sequestered Nucleus
   
Most disc ruptures will occur when a person is in their thirties
or forties when the nucleus pulposus is still a gelatin-like substance. Oddly enough,
most disc herniations will occur in the morning. The causes of this phenomenon
are not entirely known, but are probably due to the physiology of the spine
and the changes in the water content of the disc that occur throughout the day.
The two most common locations for a herniated disc in the lower back are at
the disc between fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra (L4-5) and at disc between
the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra (L5-S1). These two discs
account for 98 percent of all painful disc herniations. A disc herniation can
occur elsewhere along the spine, but low lumbar herniations are by far the most
common.
 Symptoms
Usually a patient's main complaint is a sharp, cutting pain. In some cases there
may be a previous history of episodes of localized low back pain, which is present
in the back and continues down the leg that is served by the affected nerve.
This pain is usually described as a deep and sharp pain, which gets worse as
it moves down the affected leg. The onset of pain with a herniated disc may
occur out of the blue or it may be announced by a tearing or snapping sensation
in the spine that is thought to be the result of a sudden tear of part of the
annulus fibrosis.
Diagnosis
A patient with a herniated disc will usually complain of low back pain that
may or may not radiate into differen t
parts of the body. They will often demonstrate a limitation in range of motion
when asked to bend forward or lean backwards,and they may lean to one side as
they try to bend forward. Patients will sometimes walk with an "antalgic"
or painful gait, flexing the affected leg so as not to put too much weight on
the side of the body that hurts. Straight leg raising may be positive indicating
tension on the nerve root.
Abnormalities in the strength and sensation of particular parts of the body
that are found with a neurological examination performed by a doctor provide
the most objective evidence of nerve root compression. There are no laboratory
tests that can detect the presence or absence of a herniated disc, but they
may be helpful in the diagnosis of unusual causes of nerve root pain and irritation.
An EMG or electromyographic test may help to determine which nerve root in particular
is being pinched or is not working normally in the situation where several nerve
roots may be involved. An MRI is the test of choice for diagnosis of a herniated
disc, but a CT scan (CAT scan) may often be helpful because it provides better visualization
of the bony anatomy of the spinal column, indicating where the source of pressure
on the nerve root is located.
Treatment
The treatment for vast majority of patients with a herniated disc does not normally
include surgery. Eighty percent of patients will respond to conservative therapy
when followed for a period of five years. Treatment is most effective when a
patient and a doctor have a good relationship and the patient understands the
rationale behind the prescribed treatment. The primary element of conservative
treatment is controlled physical activity. Usually treatment will begin with
very short period of bed rest followed by a gradual return to normal activities.
Sitting is bad for this condition because the sitting posture puts a large amount
of stress and pressure on the lumbar spine, which may increase the pressure
on the affected nerve root. The appropriate use of medications is an important
part of conservative treatment. This can include anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics
and muscle relaxants or tranquilizers. Additionally, the right doses of aspirin
have been proven to help. Surgical treatment is reserved for patients in whom
conservative treatment options are not effective and a sufficient period of
time has passed to indicate that the patient may need to have surgery in order
to help them to get better.
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| Published: February 21, 2008 |
Updated: February 21, 2008 |
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