Where does the hernia of the spine and what to do

Most often it is a violation goes unnoticed. If you notice unexplained sometimes a dull pain in the back, which increases during exercise, coughing, sneezing - it could be her, intervertebral hernia.

However, there are symptoms and other, and sometimes do not appear at all... As long as the hernia does not turn around something more serious, such as sciatica or even stroke.

What is a spinal hernia

The official name of this disorder - a herniated disc (flat formation between the vertebrae).

The elastic and changes shape discs allow spine flex and absorb the load, which he takes over. And all would be good, but the wheels - a thing not extremely strong.

Experts of the US Mayo Clinic Research Center comparedHerniated disk each donut jelly: inner - soft nucleus pulposus, which is enclosed in a fibrous ring of dense tendons.

When we lean forward, so even with the load, the vertebrae are compressed and try to squeeze out "donuts with jelly" ago. In most cases, the intervertebral discs can withstand this load.

But if the ring of the tendon for some reason weakened, it may tear - and sticking out his soft core out of the intervertebral space. That this situation is called herniation of the spine.

The dangerous spinal hernia

1. Increased pressure on vertebra vertebra. The reasons are clear, because the gasket has become thinner between them. As a result, the vertebrae rub against each other, there is a painAnd in the future - a variety of inflammatory processes.
2. Hernia pressure on the spinal nerve roots. Pinching a nerve root is also quite painful thing. But it is not only the pain: the pressure on the nerves may result in sciatica, and even paralysis. And given that spinal nerves transmit signals to the limbs and internal organs, pain and possible malfunction of the hands, feet, bladder, liver, kidney and so on.
3. Hernia presses against the adjacent blood vessels. Because of this worsens blood flow to organs and tissues. Often suffer brain.

Where does the spinal hernia

Here are the most common causesSYMPTOMS OF A HERNIATED DISCThat cause a weakening of the fibrous ring.

1. Do you regularly pick up something heavy, loading the lower back or shoulders.
2. You fall or otherwise injure your back.
3. Do you have problems with posture - scoliosis or the habit of sitting in a hunched posture.
4. You spend a lot of time sitting.
5. Are you suffering from osteochondrosis.
6. You are overweight.
7. You constantly enough sleep, because of which the spine does not have time to recover from the day's stresses.

What are the symptoms of spinal hernia

Once again, the symptomsHerniated disk hernia varied, and in some cases they may not be at all. Therefore, the best way to keep track of the time the problem - it is a regular checkups at least a podiatrist or therapist. And of course, do not ignore the signals that submits you back.

Here's how behaves a herniated disc:

1. Aching pain of unknown origin, which from time to time appears in the lower back or cervical spine.
2. Shooting pain, which is sometimes accompanied by sudden movements, such as panning or tilting.
3. Back pain, which is given in the thigh or leg.
4. Pain in the cervical spine, which is given in the shoulder or arm.
5. Participation of numbness or tingling in the toes and / or groin.
6. Disorders of the genitourinary system: incontinence or urinary retention, constipation, diarrhea, problems with erection.
7. Regular headaches, dizziness.
8. Horse Racing blood pressure for no apparent reason.

If you see at least one of these symptoms, you should consult with your doctor. The physician will conduct a physical examination - usually your complaints and inspection is sufficient for diagnosis. Sometimes you may need an x-ray, CT or MRI: These studies will enable a specialist to rule out other causes of back pain and possible to ascertain the location of the hernia.

How to treat a herniated disc

To regain good health, often enough to makeHerniated disk two steps.

1. Get rid of the pain

Good relieve pain normal OTC pain relievers on the basis of ibuprofen or naproxen. The required dosage you prescribe a doctor. He will recommend stronger medications, non-prescription if the task can not cope.

Also, you may need anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants - medications that help relieve tension in the muscles of the back.

2. Learning how to take care of the spine

All the same, the doctor will most likely prescribe you exercise therapy - training to strengthen the small muscles that support the spine. Thanks to them, your back will be able to easily carry the load.

In addition, the physical therapist will tell you how to lift weights and learn to avoid sudden movements - twisting and flexion of the spine.

3. to have surgery

Surgical treatment is prescribed only in extreme cases:

• If pain persists for 6 weeks.
• If the hernia is accompanied by progressive paresis (weakness in the legs) or failure of pelvic functions (loss of control over bladder and bowel).

Most often, surgeons remove only the projecting part of the intervertebral disc. That's enough to relieve the pressure on the nerve endings. In extremely rare cases, the damaged disc is removed altogether.

What else can you try

Here are the most common alternative techniques that can help restore good health. But it is not exactly.

1. Acupuncture. some studiesAcupuncture for lumbar disc herniation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. It shows that acupuncture can really relieve chronic back pain. However, researchers acknowledge that this issue requires more study.
2. Chiropractic (chiropractic). There is evidence that spinal manipulation is moderately effective for back pain that lasts for at least a month. However, manual therapy possibleAdverse effects of spinal manipulation: a systematic review serious pobochka - up to the stroke.
3. Massage. Properly executed massage It provides short-term relief for chronic back pain.
4. Yoga. The combination of physical activity, breathing exercises and meditation also helpsYoga treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain some people get rid of chronic pain.