It is the compression or slipping of the discs between the vertebrae, causing pressure on the nerves. Herniated Disc It usually occurs due to heavy lifting, incorrect posture or aging. Pain, numbness or weakness is felt in the waist, hips and legs. It can cause limited movement. It is treated with physical therapy, medication or surgery. Early diagnosis is important. Regular exercise and correct posture are protective.
What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?
The most obvious symptom is pain in the waist area. Sometimes the pain can spread to the back area. Pain can become more severe when moving or staying in the same position for a long time. Due to nerve compression. herniated disc, may cause numbness, tingling or a feeling of insensitivity that spreads to the legs. This condition is usually one-sided and may vary depending on the nerve that the hernia presses on.
If a herniated disc puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, severe pain can occur that starts in the buttocks and goes down to the legs. This pain is usually felt in one leg and can worsen when walking, sitting, or coughing or sneezing. When a herniated disc puts pressure on the nerves, muscle weakness can occur. It can be difficult to stand, climb stairs, or lift something heavy.
Due to nerve involvement, knee or ankle reflexes may be reduced. This may be a sign of severe nerve compression. In severe cases, urinary incontinence, loss of bowel control, and sexual dysfunction may occur. These symptoms may indicate an emergency condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome. It requires immediate medical attention. Herniated Disc If you have symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What Causes a Herniated Disc?
Taking the wrong position while lifting heavy loads and making sudden and uncontrolled movements can damage the structure of the discs. Especially the habit of lifting by bending from the waist increases the risk. In people who work sitting for long periods or do not exercise enough, the back muscles weaken. This increases the load on the spine and increases the risk of hernia. Excessive weight can put too much load on the spine and cause the discs to deform more easily. Especially the fat accumulated in the abdominal area creates extra pressure on the spine. Sudden impacts such as falls, collisions or traffic accidents can cause displacements and hernias in the spinal discs. In some people, the ligaments and disc structures may be weaker from birth. It runs in the family herniated disc If a person has a history of this disease, their risk of developing it may increase.
Sitting and standing incorrectly for long periods of time increases the load on the spine and causes the discs to wear out over time. Especially hunching over or constantly leaning forward increases the risk of hernia. Smoking disrupts the nutrition of the discs in the spine and causes them to lose their flexibility. This can lead to disc wear and hernia formation over time. As we age, the spinal discs lose water and lose their flexibility. This can cause the discs to be damaged more easily and cause hernia formation. Herniated Disc It is important to do regular exercise and adopt correct posture habits to protect yourself from cases. If you experience symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a specialist.
How is a Herniated Disc Treated?
It is important to avoid excessive physical activity and move in a controlled manner as recommended by your doctor. Special exercises are applied to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and reduce the load on the spine. Painkillers, muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used. Hot and cold applications are applied to relieve muscle spasms and reduce pain. Manual manipulations can be helpful to align the spine. Corticosteroids injected around the nerve root reduce inflammation and pain. Special injections are applied to reduce pressure on the nerves.
The healing process is accelerated by injecting growth factors obtained from the body's own blood. Microdiscectomy is the process of removing the herniated disc tissue with a small incision. The damaged disc must be replaced with an artificial disc. Spinal fusion is a surgical method that immobilizes the vertebrae and restricts movement. Endoscopic herniated disc surgery is a modern surgical method performed with small incisions. The choice of treatment is determined depending on the patient's condition, the severity of pain and the quality of daily life.
