What distinguishes protrusion of the herniated discs

Spine disease at present are not uncommon. Low back pain in 90% of cases the cause of back pain and its consequences are of protrusion and hernia. It is considered that it is one and the same disease, characterized by various degrees of development, and to understand the difference between a protrusion of hernia of intervertebral disks, it is necessary to find out what protrusion is and what is hernia and what are their characteristics.

What is a protrusion?

In the back of a man between the vertebrae are discs, which reduce pressure on the spine and increase the strength and flexibility of the spine. The intervertebral disc, in turn, consists of a strong fibrous ring, inside which is purposee core in a semiliquid state. A disc protrusion is a "protrusion" of the intervertebral disc outside of the spine. Fibrous ring, has a certain tensile strength, and in cases when this limit is exhausted, the intervertebral disc is deformed and forms a protrusion.

Until such time as the fibrous ring or protrusion of the whole does not exceed 5 mm, doctors diagnosed the protrusion. The nucleus of the disc, in this case, is within the annulus. If at this stage not to take measures to address the pathology of degenerative processes will be developed, and the pressure on the intervertebral disc will ultimately lead to the development of hernia.

Causes and symptoms

The key reason for the formation of the disease – a degenerative process in the spine in which the disc tissue to lose moisture and become less elastic. Because of this, the cushioning function of intervertebral discs deteriorate, they are more compressed. Also doctors believe that improper lifting, incorrect posture, imbalance in metabolic processes and high stress contribute to the formation and development of disk protrusion. To symptoms experts consider the following factors:

• Frequent dizziness and headaches;
• Local pain at the site of lesion of the disc;
• Numbness of limbs;
• Changes in blood pressure.

Pain in the neck and head can occur protrusion in the cervical spine. Often, the patient may feel numbness and weakness in the hands. Pain in the center or inside of the back appear at the protrusion in the thoracic spine. The patient in this case feels the oppression and dumbness. Protrusion in the lumbar spine and bring pain in the lower back. The patient has stiffness and weakness in the legs. Possible difficulties with urination. The protrusion when the protrusion is small and can be asymptomatic. The disease manifests itself depending on the location and individual characteristics of the organism.

See also: diffuse dorsal protrusion of the intervertebral disc.

What is a hernia?

A herniated intervertebral disk of the injured annulus can not stand pressure and bursts. Quite often, through breaks and cracks in the core falls into the spinal canal, which in turn can lead to pinched nerves in the spinal cord.

If the hernia is formed in the cervical spine, blood flow to the brain is deteriorating, appear dizziness, memory worsens. The disease can cause sciatica neck and with the pinching of the spinal cord may result in paralysis. In the thoracic hernia contributes to the development of intercostal neuralgia. Problems with the pelvic organs when the hernia appear in the lumbar spine. In some cases, the patient difficult to move, to walk or even sit up because of pain, may occur paralysis of the legs.

The main cause of a hernia between vertebrae – no or incorrect treatment of the protrusion. Also, the hernia can appear as a consequence of spinal injury. The risk factors contributing to the development of hernia specialists include:

• Sedentary and inactive lifestyle;
• Too large physical load on the spine;
• Curved posture;
• Overweight;
• Long driving a car.

In the absence of proper and timely treatment of intervertebral hernia often leads to serious consequences in the body. Pathology affects the heart, can become the root cause of diseases such as bronchitis, sciatica andgastritis. Also, the hernia worsens blood circulation of the brain and can cause strokes.

The greatest danger disc herniation is in cases of compression of the spinal cord and can lead to loss of sensation or paralysis.

What is the protrusion from the hernia?

Protrusion is a small protrusion to 5 mm, wherein the annulus is still intact, and a hernia is a rupture of the ring disc with the formation of the protrusion is more than 5 mm. the Symptoms of both diseases are similar: back pain, periodic dizziness, limb numbness and difficulty in movement, however, hernia symptoms will appear brighter, and the pain is much stronger.

Diagnosis of diseases

For both pathologies the diagnosis is the same. The orthopedic surgeon collects medical history and makes a visual inspection. Followed by magnetic resonance imaging, the results of which can determine the location and size of the protrusions, as well as x-rays, in order to exclude other diseases. After entering all the data, the doctor makes a diagnosis – a protrusion or hernia, and determines the necessary treatment.

Treatments

In both situations, the detection of the disease patients should be to reduce all physical activity, begin to engage in therapeutic exercises and undergo massage courses. In very advanced cases, doctors prescribe injections that enhance the quality of cartilage tissue, increase its elasticity and resistance to pressure.

Soft mechanical effect on the back, while the massage stimulates the flow of nutrients to the cells. Tactile stimuli strengthens muscles, neutralizes clips, relieves pain and eliminates the discomfort.

Physiotherapy restores the natural provisions of bones and cartilage, strengthens the muscles, increases the elasticity of the vertebrae.

Traction of the spinal column with protrusion is another way of treatment, which is performed on a special table at the podiatrist or under the water. In the first case the patient using a special belt fixed to the table, pulling the spine. When underwater the procedure to the body, which is horizontal, attach the specially designed cargo and due to the buoyancy of water spinal column, in the sky, pretty painless.

The most effective method of treatment of hernia, at this point, is surgery. The first month after the surgery patients should not lift weights more than 5 kg, to experience severe physical stress. In addition, the orthopedic prescribed massage, exercise therapy and swimming. Only a month later, patients are allowed to return to normal life, start playing sports.

As noted above, the key difference between the protrusion and intervertebral hernia: the size of the protrusion, the severity of symptoms and damaged tissues of the disc. Don't forget that hernia is a result of a protrusion, which develops due to late or proper treatment and it can only eliminate a surgeon in that time, as the protrusion be effectively treated by massage, gymnastics and wymaganiami from the podiatrist.