The spinal nerves are essential for the motor functions of the body. The brain communicates with the rest of the body via the spinal nerves. Injured spinal nerves can cause as much as paralysis. What protect the spinal nerves is the bony stack of vertebrae.
As the vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, it provides support for movement as well as protection for the spinal nerves. In between each vertebra is a disc that serves as cushion. They are soft pads that minimize stress from the impact of every movement. These discs are more like jelly donuts which are softer in the middle. In between each vertebra and around each disc is a strong fibrous soft tissue ligament.
As we age, spinal discs become more brittle. Age wears out its softness and elasticity. With a more brittle and rigid spinal disc, the spinal cord and nerves are more prone to stress and damage. Disc herniation is a condition wherein the central part of the disc ruptures out through the outer part. This happens because the disc is brittle and weak.
If the spinal disc is herniated, it is most likely to bulge out. A bulged out disc will allow compression between the spinal cord and spinal nerves. If this happens, the spinal cord may get damaged and cause serious problems.
Herniated discs may occur due to a sudden fall or accident, or may gradually develop due to repetitive stress on the spine. Irritated nerves cause a lot of pain and later on, may cause paralysis.
There are several herniated disc symptoms. The function of spinal nerves are compromised once it gets compressed or irritated. And once the spinal nerves are compromised, signals will not travel properly. The most common symptoms are electric shock pain and numbness.
Most often, herniated disc treatment are conducted conservatively, but if symptoms persist, herniated disc treatment becomes more aggressive, up to the point of surgery. More common herniated disc treatments include rest and activity modification, ice and heat applications, and physical therapy. There are also some medications involved such as anti-inflammatory meds, muscle relaxers, and oral steroids.
As the vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, it provides support for movement as well as protection for the spinal nerves. In between each vertebra is a disc that serves as cushion. They are soft pads that minimize stress from the impact of every movement. These discs are more like jelly donuts which are softer in the middle. In between each vertebra and around each disc is a strong fibrous soft tissue ligament.
As we age, spinal discs become more brittle. Age wears out its softness and elasticity. With a more brittle and rigid spinal disc, the spinal cord and nerves are more prone to stress and damage. Disc herniation is a condition wherein the central part of the disc ruptures out through the outer part. This happens because the disc is brittle and weak.
If the spinal disc is herniated, it is most likely to bulge out. A bulged out disc will allow compression between the spinal cord and spinal nerves. If this happens, the spinal cord may get damaged and cause serious problems.
Herniated discs may occur due to a sudden fall or accident, or may gradually develop due to repetitive stress on the spine. Irritated nerves cause a lot of pain and later on, may cause paralysis.
There are several herniated disc symptoms. The function of spinal nerves are compromised once it gets compressed or irritated. And once the spinal nerves are compromised, signals will not travel properly. The most common symptoms are electric shock pain and numbness.
Most often, herniated disc treatment are conducted conservatively, but if symptoms persist, herniated disc treatment becomes more aggressive, up to the point of surgery. More common herniated disc treatments include rest and activity modification, ice and heat applications, and physical therapy. There are also some medications involved such as anti-inflammatory meds, muscle relaxers, and oral steroids.
About the Author:
You need to consult a medical specialist as soon as possible if you feel some back pains or abnormal sensations in your spine. Check out this page to learn more about herniated disc symptoms and herniated disc symptoms.
0 Comments with Blogger
