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Treating herniated disc, a common condition causing back pain.
How does a herniated disc occur?
Intervertebral disc herniation can occur due to various reasons, such as degeneration of the intervertebral disc from prolonged use, increasing age, lifestyle habits, and accidents that affect the spine. This causes the fluid within the intervertebral disc to rupture and leak out, compressing the nerves and resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms and legs.
Components of an intervertebral disc.
1. Nucleus pulposus: A jelly-like fluid in the core of the intervertebral disc. Its function is to absorb shock and distribute the weight transferred to each vertebra.
2. Annulus fibrosus: This is a layer of ligaments that surrounds the nucleus pulposus. Its function is to provide stability to the joints between the vertebrae and prevent fluid from leaking out of the nucleus pulposus.
The mechanism of spinal disc herniation with nerve compression.
This condition is caused by the degeneration of the annulus fibrosus due to activities that directly affect the spine, such as bending over to lift heavy objects, prolonged driving, activities that involve frequent bending and straightening of the back, accidents that impact the spine, and bending and twisting the back. These activities put significant stress on the annulus fibrosus, leading to tearing. The fluid in the nucleus pulposus then pushes the annulus fibrosus outward, compressing the nerves behind the intervertebral disc, resulting in back pain, leg numbness, or other abnormal symptoms.
Severity of intervertebral disc herniation.
1. Bulging disc: The intervertebral disc has shifted posteriorly by no more than 3 millimeters, and the annulus fibrosus remains normal.
2. Protrusion: The intervertebral disc has shifted posteriorly by more than 4 millimeters, and the fluid is close to the outer edge of the annulus fibrosus but has not yet ruptured. The patient begins to experience back pain and intermittent leg numbness.
3. Extrusion: The intervertebral disc shifts posteriorly by more than 8 millimeters, and fluid from within the disc leaks out through the annulus fibrosus, although it remains fused together. The patient experiences constant pain and numbness in the leg.
4. Sequestration: The intervertebral disc has completely protruded from the annulus fibrosus, and there is no fusion between the protruding disc and the remaining disc. This is considered the most severe stage, and patients often undergo surgery at this stage because they cannot tolerate the pain.
The consequences of degenerative disc disease.
When the fluid within the intervertebral disc leaks out or is partially lost, the intervertebral disc narrows progressively, leading to degenerative spinal disease. This is because the facet joints within the spine have to bear increased weight, causing degeneration. Patients will experience back pain and stiffness, and a feeling of tightness or pressure in the back when bending or arching.
Symptoms of spinal disc herniation or nerve compression.
Symptoms of a herniated disc or spinal disc herniation include not only leg numbness but also back pain. There are two main points to consider:
1. Degenerative spinal disease causes inflammation of the facet joints, resulting in back pain.
2. A herniated intervertebral disc can compress a major nerve branch located in the middle of the spine, increasing the risk of paralysis.
Simple ways to reduce pain from herniated disc.
1. Lie face down and apply a hot compress.
Lie face down and apply a hot compress to your back for 20-30 minutes. If you cannot lie face down, place a large pillow under your abdomen to help reduce pain.
2. Arch your back.
Support yourself with your arms while keeping your waist on the bed. Try to arch your back as much as possible without feeling pain. Repeat this 10 times.
3. Exercise your back muscles.
Lie face down and arch your back until your chest is off the ground. Do this 10 times. If you feel your muscles getting stronger, increase the difficulty by crossing your arms behind your back and lifting your torso, holding for 10 seconds. Do this 10 times.
4. Walking on water.
Walk in chest-deep water, kicking your legs as you go, or stand still and squat down as if in an inflatable chair, using the water pressure to push the fluids back into place.
Treatment for a herniated disc: If your back pain doesn't improve, you should consult a spine specialist for a physical evaluation and treatment plan.
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