Intervertebral disc herniation is a common degenerative disease of the spine. It refers to a part of the intervertebral disc being compressed and breaking through the ligament ring between adjacent vertebrae, causing the core material of the intervertebral disc to protrude outward. It is one of the most common causes of lower back and leg pain. Today, let's take a look at the causes and preventive measures of intervertebral disc herniation together.
The causes of intervertebral disc herniation
These factors may interact with each other, leading to intervertebral disc injury and herniation. The following are some common causes that may lead to intervertebral disc herniation:
Age factors. As age increases, the structure of the intervertebral disc undergoes some changes. The water content of intervertebral discs decreases, their elasticity weakens, making them susceptible to damage and degenerative changes, thereby increasing the risk of intervertebral disc herniation.
Maintaining incorrect posture for a long time, such as looking down at your phone for a long time, sitting still for a long time, or incorrect weightlifting posture, can exert excessive pressure on the intervertebral disc, increasing the risk of disc injury and protrusion.
Engaging in heavy physical labor or bearing excessive heavy loads for a long time, such as frequently lifting heavy objects, bending over and dragging heavy objects, can also increase the possibility of intervertebral disc damage and protrusion.
Repetitive sports injuries: Certain sports or activities, such as weightlifting, bending, twisting, etc., if frequently repeated and in incorrect posture, can cause repetitive pressure and damage to the intervertebral disc, making it prone to protrusion.
Accidental injuries and external impacts, such as traffic accidents, falls, sports injuries, etc., may directly damage the intervertebral disc, leading to protrusion.
Genetic factors may also be related to intervertebral disc herniation. Some people may be born with weaker or more easily damaged intervertebral disc structures, increasing the risk of intervertebral disc herniation.
Symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation
Intervertebral disc herniation can cause symptoms in different parts of the body, and specific symptoms may vary depending on the degree, location, and degree of compression on surrounding nerve tissue. Here are some common symptoms of disc herniation:
Pain. Disc herniation can cause pain in the back, buttocks, neck, or legs. Pain may be localized or radiate to surrounding areas such as the buttocks, legs, shoulders, or arms, and this type of pain is commonly referred to as radiating pain.
Abnormal sensations may include tingling, numbness, needle pricking, stinging, or itching, which are caused by the compression of nerve roots or spinal cord due to intervertebral disc herniation.
Muscle weakness or atrophy due to intervertebral disc herniation may cause damage to compressed nerve roots, leading to muscle weakness or atrophy in the affected muscles.
Dysfunction of movement: Intervertebral disc herniation may lead to limited range of motion, difficulty walking, bending, and other motor functions being affected.
Abnormal compression of nerve roots can lead to abnormal nerve root reflexes, such as changes in knee reflexes, Achilles tendon reflexes, etc.
Severe intervertebral disc herniation with urinary and fecal dysfunction may cause compression of the spinal cord, leading to urinary incontinence, weakness in urination and defecation, difficulty urinating, and other urinary and fecal dysfunction.
The above are only common symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation, and specific symptoms may vary depending on individual differences among patients. If there are suspected symptoms of intervertebral disc herniation, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Preventive measures for intervertebral disc herniation
Although intervertebral disc herniation cannot be completely prevented, the risk of disease can be reduced through the following methods:
Maintaining the correct posture is very important, especially when sitting or standing for a long time. Avoid maintaining a posture for long periods of time and can stretch and move the body appropriately.
Enhance the strength of the core muscle group, which includes muscles in the abdomen and back. By strengthening these muscles, better support and stability can be provided, reducing the burden on the spine.
Avoid repetitive bending and turning movements. Excessive bending and turning movements can increase pressure on the spine, so try to avoid frequent and excessive movements.
Correct techniques for carrying heavy objects: When carrying heavy objects, make sure to use the correct posture. Bend your knees and squat, keep your back straight, and use your hands to share the weight.
Moderate exercise is crucial for maintaining spinal health. Choose a suitable exercise method to enhance the strength and flexibility of the muscles around the spine.
Controlling excessive weight can increase the burden on the spine, so it is important to keep the weight within a healthy range.
Avoid prolonged use of electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, which can increase pressure on the neck and upper back. It is important to adjust the posture and duration of use appropriately.
Although the above measures can reduce the risk of disease, they cannot completely prevent the occurrence of intervertebral disc herniation. If you experience back pain or other symptoms, you should promptly consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.