Herniated disc definition symptoms therapy netdoctor

Possible symptoms: depending on the level and extent of the incident, e.g.B. Back pain that may radiate to a leg or arm, sensory disturbances (formication, tingling, numbness) or paralysis in the affected leg or arm, disturbances in bladder and bowel emptying
Causes and risk factors: Mostly wear and tear due to age and stress, also lack of exercise and overweight; more rarely injuries, congenital misalignment of the spine or congenital weakness of the connective tie
Treatment: Conservative measures (such as light to moderate exercise, sports, relaxation exercises, heat applications, medication), surgery
Examinations: Physical and neurological examination, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electromyography (EMG), electroneurography (ENG), laboratory tests
Course and prognosis: Symptoms usually disappear on their own or with the help of conservative therapy; surgery not always successful, complications and relapses also possible

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is a disease of the spine in which the soft nucleus (nucleus pulposus) protrudes from the disc located between two adjacent vertebrae. It is usually located inside a solid fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus), which is damaged or unstable in a herniated disc. This can cause the nucleus to bulge out of the disc or even pass through the annulus. If detached parts of the gelatinous nucleus slip into the spinal canal, the diagnosis is "sequestered herniated disc". If the nucleus protrudes from the intervertebral disc, this often leads to the nerves emerging between the vertebrae (spinal nerves) or the spinal cord lying in the spinal canal being compressed. Pain occurs. Dysfunction of the spinal cord.

From the herniated disc (disc prolapse), the disc protrusion (disc protrusion) is to be distinguished. Here, the inner disc tie shifts outward without rupturing the disc's fibrous ring. Nevertheless, complaints such as pain. Sensory disturbances occur. A well-known example is lumbago: this is understood to mean acute, severe pain in the lumbar region.

How to recognize a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is primarily recognized by pain and neurological symptoms, since the protruding disc mainly irritates and damages nerves.

In some patients, a herniated disc causes symptoms such as burning pain, tingling or formication in the arms or legs, numbness or even paralysis in the extremities. The reason for the discomfort is that the compressed spinal cord nerves (spinal nerves) are highly irritated and transmit increased pain signals to the brain. In the case of a massive contusion, the transmission of impulses may be disturbed to such an extent that paralysis occurs.

Not every herniated disc causes symptoms such as pain or paralysis. It is then often discovered only by chance during an examination.

If typical herniated disc symptoms are noticeable, this indicates that the slipped disc is pressing against individual nerve roots, the spinal cord or the bundle of nerve fibers in the lumbar spine (cauda equina = horse's tail).

Symptoms of prere on nerve roots

The symptoms of a herniated disc when prere is applied to a nerve root depend on the level of the spine at which the affected nerve root is located – in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine regions.

Herniated disc – when it gets dicey

Christiane Fux studied journalism and psychology in Hamburg. Since 2001, the experienced medical editor has been writing magazine articles, news and non-fiction texts on all conceivable health topics. In addition to her work for NetDoktor, Christiane Fux is also a prose writer. In 2012, her first crime novel was published; she also writes, designs and publishes her own crime plays.

Not every herniated disc hurts – in fact, many are not even noticed. But when it presses on nerve tie, it can hurt like hell. But there are other symptoms that hardly anyone knows about. Sometimes they are indications of a dangerous condition. You can find out when this is the case here.