Intervertebral disc herniation is a common type of spinal disease, mainly caused by degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc or external forces. This condition can cause chronic back pain, lower limb paralysis, pain, and other symptoms, which have a serious impact on the patient's life. This article will introduce the causes and treatment methods of intervertebral disc herniation.
1. Causes of intervertebral disc herniation
1.1 Degenerative changes of intervertebral discs
Degeneration of the nucleus pulposus is usually characterized by a significant decrease in water content, and can also cause small-scale pathological changes such as vertebral segment instability and loosening due to dehydration; The degeneration of the fibrous ring usually manifests as a significant decrease in toughness.
1.2 Damage
Minor damage caused by long-term repeated external forces, which exacerbates the degree of degeneration.
1.3 Weakness of intervertebral disc self anatomical factors
Intervertebral discs gradually lack blood circulation and have poor repair ability in adulthood. On the basis of the above factors, any factor can lead to a sudden increase in pressure on the intervertebral disc, even if the less elastic nucleus pulposus passes through the already weakened fibrous ring, it can cause nucleus pulposus protrusion.
1.4 Lumbar and sacral congenital abnormalities mainly include lumbar sacralization, sacral vertebral lumbosacralization, hemivertebral deformities, facet joint deformities, and asymmetric articular processes. The above factors can cause significant changes in the stress borne by the lower lumbar spine, and also lead to increased intervertebral disc pressure or increased susceptibility to degeneration and injury.
1.5 Age factor
As age increases, intervertebral discs gradually become brittle and prone to degeneration, leading to disc herniation.
1.6 Poor lifestyle habits, such as incorrect sitting, standing, and sleeping habits, can also lead to excessive compression of intervertebral discs, causing degeneration and protrusion.
1.7 Working methods
Long term bending, lifting heavy objects, vibration operations, and other working methods can also easily cause intervertebral disc herniation.
What are the symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation?
2.1 Lower back pain
Lower back pain is the first symptom that most patients experience, with an incidence rate of approximately 91%. Due to the stimulation of the nucleus pulposus on the outer layer of the fibrous ring and the posterior longitudinal ligament, lower back pain is induced through the sinus vertebral nerve, sometimes accompanied by buttock pain.
2.2 Lower limb radiating pain
Most patients experience protrusion of the L4 to L5 and L5 to S1 spaces, mainly manifested as sciatica. Typical sciatica is a radiating pain that extends from the lower back to the buttocks, back of the thighs, and outer side of the calves, all the way to the feet. The pain intensifies when the patient experiences increased abdominal pressure such as sneezing and coughing.
2.3 Cauda equina Symptoms
Cauda equina symptoms refer to the compression of the cauda equina nerve by the protruding nucleus pulposus or prolapsed or free intervertebral disc tissue towards the posterior direction. Its main manifestations include defecation disorders, urinary disorders, and abnormal sensations in the perineum and perianal area. Severe cases may also experience a series of symptoms such as uncontrolled urination and defecation, as well as incomplete paralysis of both lower limbs, which are rare in clinical practice.
3. Treatment methods for intervertebral disc herniation
3.1 Drug therapy
Includes analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, etc., effectively relieving pain for patients with mild pain.
3.2 Physical Therapy
Physical therapies such as hot compress, cold compress, traction, massage, etc. can alleviate pain, release joints between bones, and increase intervertebral disc space.
3.3 Surgical treatment
For moderate to severe disc herniation, surgical treatment is one of the most effective treatment methods, such as minimally invasive discectomy, internal foramen imaging, etc.
In short, intervertebral disc herniation is actually a relatively common spinal disease, and its causes are mainly related to age factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, work styles, etc. Comprehensive treatment is often adopted in treatment, and patients are advised to choose appropriate treatment methods according to the doctor's advice, with priority given to conservative treatment such as medication, physical therapy, etc. For patients with moderate to severe conditions, it is recommended to choose surgical treatment. Of course, during the treatment process, it is also important to actively cooperate with the doctor's advice, change unhealthy habits, strengthen spinal health, and avoid disease recurrence.