Intervertebral hernia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Intervertebral hernia - a disease in which the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc is broken, and the nucleus comes out. To understand the essence of the disease, it is necessary to know the anatomical features of the spine.

It consists of vertebrae, which are connected by special disks of oval form. They consist of an elastic "pulpous" core, which performs an amortization function, as well as a fibrous ring, which is strong enough and prevents the central portion from bulging out under the weight of the body.

Separate pathologies of the spine (for example, scoliosis, osteochondrosis or subluxations) cause a decrease in the elasticity of the intervertebral discs, which becomes the cause of protrusion - a hernia. In this case, the nerve fibers that come out of the spine are compressed, which leads to a pain syndrome.

Intervertebral hernia: Species

Depending on the size, this pathology can occur in the form of prolapse (protrusion is 2-3 mm), protrusion (the size of the hernia is 4-15 mm), and also in the form of extrusion, which in the form of a drop extends beyond the intervertebral disc.

Causes of this pathology

Among the etiological factors that can provoke the development of the intervertebral hernia, we can distinguish the following:

• Inherited features of the structure of the spine ;
• Weak muscle corset;
• infectious diseases;
• Incorrect posture;
• Diseases of the spinal column, especially osteochondrosis.

Intervertebral hernia can also occur due to sudden movements, excessive physical exertion, back injuries and other negative factors.

Most often this pathology develops at the age of 20-55 years. Among older people, this lesion of the spine is observed less frequently, since their gelatinous nucleus loses its elasticity.

Intervertebral hernia: symptoms

This disease is accompanied by narrowing of the canal of the spine, which leads to compression of the nerve roots. Thus surrounding tissues swell and become inflamed. The patient experiences pain, which is localized not only in the place of the hernia, but also along the nerves emerging from the spinal cord. In addition, pain can also occur in parts of the body that are innervated by the affected roots. Patients also complain of impaired coordination of movements and changes in muscle strength.

It is worth noting that most often such pathological changes in the spine appear in the lower back, although they can develop in the cervical region.

Intervertebral hernia: treatment methods

Therapy of this disease is carried out in two ways: conservatively and by conducting an operation. Conservative techniques are used to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, restore spine functions, sensitivity and muscular strength of the affected areas. Treatment of intervertebral hernia without surgery involves the use of reflex methods - acupuncture, vacuum therapy, pharmacopuncture, etc.

The operation is performed when the conservative treatment is ineffective. In this case, the pathologically changed disc is partially or completely removed.