Extrusion discs of the spine what it is, diagnosis treatment

Diagnosis, causing a whole load of questions - extruding discs of the spine, what it is, whether it is dangerous, come from? This process is denoted by one of the points leading to herniated. The anomaly is characterized by impaired integrity of the fibrous ring of the disc and release of internal content of nucleus pulposus outside, as drops, fixing longitudinal ligament of the spine.

Causes

Very few people understand how their spine from a medical point of view. The vertebral column has the composition: body, spinal canal, ear. Inside the canal is the spinal cord with the roots. The intervertebral disc is located between the bodies comprising the spinal column. In the middle of the spinal cord is the nucleus, around it the fibrous ring. Nutrients and nutrition of the vertebrae is obtained from the adjacent soft tissues. Violation of receipt of supply leads to deterioration of the intervertebral disk and its destruction.

The causes of malnutrition, and subsequent protrusion of the nucleus pulposus are:

• Age-related changes, is the main cause of extrusion. Over time, decreases the amount of nutrients supplied to the vertebrae, due to the shrinkage of paravertebral tissues;
• Injuries to the spinal division, leading to changes and offsets about vertebrate tissues, and as a consequence the destruction of the vertebrae;
• Already available diseases of the spine osteochondrosis, scoliosis, etc., not treated or not cured properly;
• Hormonal disturbances, metabolic diet, in particular obesity;
• Disease connected with profession, lifting heavy objects, long loaded back.

See also: dorsal disc protrusion – what is that?

Varieties of anomalies

Extrusion of the intervertebral disc is classified into two areas: the location of the pathology and protrusion of the nucleus. Localization affected intervertebral discs in the following parts of the spine:

• Cervical;
• Breast;
• Lumbar.

The place of the nucleus pulposus:

• Lateral extrusion. Purposee the core exit to the outside, on each side of the spine;
• Dorsal extrusion (rear). Purposee the kernel goes to calopogonium soft tissues;
• The Central extrusion. The output of the core is directed towards the spinal cord, which may lead to its compression.

See also: dorsal diffuse disc herniation.

Separate species exist subligamentous extrusion, this pathology is called, damage to the longitudinal ligament of the spine with protrusion, and the appearance of subglottic extrusion.

Symptoms

Till the moment when begins the process of compression of the nerve roots, causing severe pain symptoms of the symptoms of extrusion is virtually absent. How much will be hurting in the particular area, depends on the location of protrusion of nucleus pulposus. Dull pain in the neck that is transmitted to the head, arms. Increases at constant stress (prolonged sitting at a computer). Emerging weakness in the cervical spine and hands, frequent headaches in the occipital part, loss of sensation of the skin of the head and hands.

Painful syndrome behind a breast bone, closer to the spine, transmitted to the heart, ribs, weakness of the muscles of the arms and abdomen. Pain in the lumbar region, transmitted in the groin area and legs. Violation of male function, loss of sensation and weakness in the legs and thighs, the defeat of the urinary system.

Piriformis syndrome is characterized by a complex pain that occurs in the buttocks area, due to subligamentous (subglottic) loss of intervertebral disk in the segment L5-S1 without destruction of the fibrous ring.

Diagnosis

To determine the disease, the doctor will initially conduct a physical examination, listen to patient complaints. The extrusion will show the following signs that diagnose doctor:

• On physical examination and palpation of the spine, discovered painfulareas;
• A negative reflex in the knee;
• Complaints of numbness in thigh and lower extremities;
• A pinched sciatic nerve.

And if you suspect these symptoms, the expert assigns one of two ways research. Computed tomography depicts the localization of the pathology and disturbances in the structure of the intervertebral disc. Magnetic resonance imaging gives the most complete clinical picture occurring anomalies in the spine. Accurately shows the area of compression of the nerves, vessels, roots and the dimensions of the anomaly.

• See also: how dangerous is a spinal cord injury?

Treatments

All treatments must be strictly coordinated and prescribed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate, it can lead to irreparable consequences. In the initial stages of the disease may rid of protrusions (5-7 mm) non-medical means. The specialist will recommend a special diet therapy, will provide referrals to relevant professionals (in the case of obesity) for the correction of the causes of extrusion. Individually selected exercises and therapeutic massage will help to reduce the load on the spinal Department and to restore power to the vertebrae.

With the progression of the extrusion, as a rule, administered the treatment drugs, such as painkillers and steroids (when there is inflammation). Surgery is applied when anomalies of more than 12 mm. hospitalitynet Patient and conduct a complete diagnosis of the extrusion, then schedule the surgery.

The treatment of the intervertebral disc in the segment of L5-S1, a new approach is required, because of possible complication is paralysis of the legs. In the presence of a syndrome "a horse tail" (a complex of symptoms if the damage massive bundle of spinal nerves extending from end of spinal cord), prescribe emergency surgical intervention. In the absence of this syndrome, it is possible to use physical therapy, complex medical-gymnastic exercises and massage.

Complications and prevention

Disease back, always extremely dangerous, because of its complications, and possible compression of the internal organs and nerve endings. Complications of pathology of the intervertebral discs include:

• Intervertebral hernia (as a result of untreated extrusion);
• Full or partial paralysis;
• Respiratory failure;
• Problems with the urinary system and potency;
• The reduction of height of intervertebral discs.

And don't forget about the risk for surgical intervention. During surgery, complications can occur in the form of respiratory arrest, palpitations, possible damage to nerves and spinal cord, there is a huge risk of infection. Of course, in the modern world all of these complications are minimized, but the best time to see a doctor for help than to go under a surgical scalpel.

The best way to prevent any disease will be a way no assumptions at all. For this we need systematic examinations by a specialist when you experience any discomfort, go for consultation, to conduct a proper a healthy lifestyle, try to add more physical activity to your day's activities.