Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, lack of sufficient exercise, wrong postures and age are some of the culprits predisposing to herniated disc problems. India alone has more than 10 million new cases per year and this number could increase further. Earlier, this was a condition mainly affecting those above 60, but it’s increasingly afflicting a younger population now.
Herniated disc refers to the condition that occurs when the soft rubbery cushions known as discs get pushed out from in-between the individual bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. These discs located between each spinal bone act as shock absorbers. The disc has a tough exterior with a softer, jelly-like center that slips out (slipped disc or bulged disc) or gets ruptured (ruptured disc) through a crack in the tougher exterior wall. These types of herniated disc issues tend to press against the nerves within the limited space of the spinal canal and cause pain.
Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine but are usually limited to the neck or lower-back region and may or may not produce symptoms.
Causes
Some people are genetically more susceptible to herniated discs than others and can even have multiple herniated discs. In others it could be due to an excessive, repetitive strain on a single area (occupational risks) or due to injury. Other culprits include excessive weight and natural disc degeneration with age.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary with the spinal location and level of herniation. While some herniated discs produce no symptoms, others may produce mild to excessive pain. This can be in the neck or lower-back region and could radiate to the arms, legs and buttocks, depending on the location of the hernia and the nerves affected.
Aside from pain, there could be tingling, numbness, weakness of affected muscles and bowel or bladder dysfunctions.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made on the basis of the history, symptoms and physical examinations which are further supported by x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, myelograms or electromyograms and nerve conduction studies.
Treatment
Fortunately, most herniated disc cases are treated non-surgically with medication, physiotherapy and maintaining good posture. But for those patients that are undergoing debilitating pain that affects their lifestyle, surgery is usually recommended after taking the patient’s age and overall health into consideration.
The different types of surgical procedures to correct herniated discs include:
- Discectomy
- Laminectomy
- Laminotomy
- Spinal fusion
- Artificial disc surgery
The Sita Bhateja Specialty Hospital located in Bangalore has a highly-experienced team of neurosurgeons, neurologists and orthopedic doctors, with vast experience in treating herniated disc issues, using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Backed by world-class operating theatres, ICUs and a physiotherapy and rehabilitation center, patients with herniated disc issues are in the best hands here.