Intervertebral hernia - the main causes

The development of disk pathology is greatly influenced by spinal injuries, increased physical stress, forced postures of one type, various autoimmune diseases, a weak condition of the ligament apparatus, and the natural aging of the human body.

Vertebrae keep communication between each other by means of intervertebral discs, which have dense fibers in their composition. The central place in the disk has a pulpous core, which has a thin shell and contains high-molecular proteins. The main task of this core is to provide a cushioning effect. It is his work that allows us to perform any actions: walking, running, jumping and, at the same time, not experiencing unpleasant feelings.

The spinal column of the person remains healthy and normally functioning until the pulpous nucleus has received any damage. If the pulpous core is too strong, intensive, the bursts, cracks, and high-molecular proteins present in it can break out partially into the disk space, thereby exerting an irritating effect on the nerve endings that exist there. This is the nature of the occurrence of primary attacks of pain in the lower back ("lumbago").

In the case of repeated damage to the intervertebral disc, the number of high-molecular proteins in the pulpous nucleus undergoes significant reductions. As a result, the elasticity of the nucleus deteriorates and its displacement occurs within the intervertebral disc. If the load is very high, then there is a significant displacement of the core, and it is able to completely leave the area of the disk. That's just left and the protruding part of the nucleus and is called the hernia.

If the process of herniation of the hernia occurs in the direction of the spinal canal, it squeezes the nerve roots available there. As a result, it is possible to disrupt the normal working capacity of a particular organ, muscle, skin site, for which the hilted nerve root is responsible.

For example, the cause of headaches, a weakened condition in the hands may be an intervertebral hernia in the cervical spine. On the contrary, loss of sensitivity in the legs, aching sensations, impaired functioning of pelvic functions (difficulty in urinating) - all this may be a consequence of the presence of a hernia in the lumbar spine.

For the diagnosis of intervertebral hernia, various research methods are used. Ordinary radiography will be enough to determine the severity of changes in the vertebrae, the height of the discs and the like.
To see a hernia and determine its size is capable of magnetic resonance imaging. In case of persistent disco-radical conflict, professional consultation of a neurosurgeon is absolutely essential. Sometimes surgical intervention is used operatively.

However, it is worth considering the fact that not every hernia affects the nerve root. Thermal imaging is used to solve such situations. Its principle is based on recording the thermal radiation of the human body. With the existing violations, thermal images change, which gives a unique opportunity to recognize the disease in the early stages of its development.

Treatment of intervertebral hernia involves both a surgical and a conservative method. Surgical, is used extremely rarely, when it is not possible to help in other ways. Conservative therapy: medicamentous, physio, manual - eliminates pain and restores spinal mobility. The result of the treatment is a decrease in pressure on the nerve roots, restoration of the conductivity properties of nerve fibers.

Preventive measures against hernia require, sometimes, to carry out unloading for the spine. For example, lie on a flat bed with increased stiffness. In addition, for these purposes swimming is perfect - it strengthens the dorsal muscles and relieves the load from the intervertebral discs.

Take care of your spine!