Herniated Disc
To understand what exactly Herniated Disc is, it is important to know what a disc is. The following paragraphs will provide you brief information about a disc and herniated disc.
The disc can be described as a soft rubbery pad present between the hard bones which form spinal column. These hard bones (that make up the spinal column) are known as vertebrae. These discs present between vertebrae enable the back to perform body movements such as bending and flexing. Discs also function as a shock-absorber for spinal column.
The outer layer of the disc is called as ‘annulus fibrosus’ and the inner layer of disc is called as ‘nucleus pulposus’. The outer layer of disc is formed by tough substance and the inner layer has gel-like center known as nucleus pulposus.
Description of Herniated Disc
When a disc’s centre gets displaced from its original position, such a condition is called as herniated disc. This displacement of disc center occurs due to crack in the outer layer of disc.
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Herniated discs are also known by other names, slipped discs and ruptured discs. Usually, cases displacement of disc center (herniated disc) are often found in lumbar spine- part of backbone between hip and bottom of ribs. Most of the cases of herniated discs are found in the people in the age group of 30 years and 40 years.
Symptoms of Herniated Disc
Following are the most common symptoms of Herniated Disc.
- Pain in back
- Pain, weakness, numbness or tingling of the leg
The pain and numbness of leg is caused due to pressing of herniated disc against the nerves present in the spine.
Causes behind Herniated Disc Condition
There are many factors which can lead to herniated disc condition. Following are some of the common causes.
- Trauma to the surrounding are of the disc
- Loss of water content of the disc
Treatment for Herniated Disc
Therapies like medication, surgery, steroid injection, bed rest and physic therapy are most commonly used treatment of herniated disc. Medication is aimed at relieving pain and reducing swelling. Certain regular physical exercises (conducted under supervision of qualified physical trainer) may provide some relief. The main of treatment is to provide comfort to the patient by relieving pain and building immune system to sustain complications produced by herniated disc
