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A hernia of the spine is a very painful condition. It is most often the result of various overloads. It can show up on any part of the spine. Lack of exercise and sedentary work promote the development of hernias. It is usually accompanied by pain, and with the development of the disease, paresis may also appear.
A hernia of the spine is a term that refers to a disease of the intervertebral disc, commonly referred to as a prolapsed disc. This problem mainly affects people over 40. Unfortunately, our society does not move much and leads an unhealthy lifestyle, therefore a hernia is diagnosed in younger and younger people. In most cases, a hernia of the spine is accompanied by pain and, over time, also by limb paresis or paralysis.
The hernia of the spine results from the load on the intervertebral discs, which are located between the vertebrae. Over time, they begin to lose their elasticity, shift, and a hernia of the spine develops. Each disc has a pulp nucleus surrounded by a fibrous ring nucleus. If the continuity of the fibrous ring is broken, the nucleus pulposus begins to compress the nerve structures, causing pain.
A spinal hernia usually occurs in the most stressed lumbar region.
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Hernia of the spine – symptoms
There are several types of spinal hernias depending on the site of occurrence. This is a hernia of the lumbar spine, a hernia of the thoracic spine and a hernia of the cervical spine. Pain is always associated with a hernia of the spine. It can be of different severity and nature. Other symptoms depend on the location of the hernia.
Symptoms of a hernia in the lumbar region:
- pain radiating to the hip, thighs and knees,
- feeling pain in the lower abdomen and groin,
- sciatica,
- tingling and numbness in the lower limbs,
- lack of feeling,
- defecation and urination disorders,
- sex problem.
Symptoms of a hernia in the cervical region:
- increasing pain of moderate intensity,
- stiff neck
- limited head movements
- tingling and numbness in the upper limbs,
- headaches and dizziness,
- sciatica or cervico-shoulder
- Tinnitus,
- spastic paresis,
- weakening of the muscles of the hands, in extreme cases paralysis.
Symptoms of a hernia in the thoracic region:
- pain in the chest,
- no possibility of coughing, laughing or sneezing.
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Hernia of the spine – causes
Each type of spinal hernia has a different background. However, it cannot be denied that the main cause is a sedentary lifestyle. When it comes to a hernia of the lumbar spine, it may be genetic, as well as the anatomy of the person.
A cervical hernia will appear in people who work a lot at the computer. The cervical segment is then heavily loaded. Putting your head forward is not a natural position. The resulting tensions lead to the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. Often the cause of this type of spinal hernia is a traffic accident (sudden and rapid tilt of the head back and forth).
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Hernias are more common in obese and stressed people, as well as in pregnant women.
The hernia of the lumbar spine is the result of overloading it. This happens when, for example, we lift weights from the floor on straight legs. Its formation is also influenced by shocks and vibrations.
In order to diagnose a hernia, it may be necessary to visit a specialist who will order appropriate tests based on the patient’s history and examination. Spinal pain ailments are dealt with by specialists such as a neurologist or rheumatologist. In the diagnosis of spinal hernia, imaging tests are used, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
In the early stage of the disease, X-rays of the spine may not detect any disturbing changes in the patient. Although X-ray examination is quick and cheap, its sensitivity for spinal hernia will be low if no changes in bone structure are evident at the beginning of the disease. Computed tomography of the spine or MRI of the spine turn out to be more effective in detecting changes indicating a hernia.
If necessary, the doctor may also order ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvis, supplemented with a general urine test. Such a diagnostic approach will exclude other possible causes of back pain, including those related to the urinary system, renal colic or tumors pressing the nerve roots.
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Hernia of the spine – treatment
Treatment of spinal hernias begins with the administration of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and physical therapy. Physiotherapy includes:
- exercises,
- massages,
- heat therapies,
- cryotherapy,
- laser therapies,
- electric therapy.
In extreme cases, the doctor orders a spinal hernia operation. The indications for it are paresis of the limbs. The surgery is rather safe and most patients feel relieved. During the operation, the doctor performs various procedures:
- decompression,
- decompression and stabilization,
- implantation of artificial discs.
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Hernia of the spine – exercises
The acute phase of the hernia of the spine prevents the introduction of exercises. In this case, rest and comfortable postures that relieve the muscles are recommended. When the pain starts to normalize, it is worth asking an experienced physiotherapist to help us choose the right exercises. The purpose of exercises for a hernia of the spine is to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, back and buttocks.