samedi 23 septembre 2017

Learn More About Herniated Disc Conditions

By Cynthia Mitchell


Aging generally presents a number of effects to the body with the spine being a majorly affected area. At the same time, individuals in the ages between thirty and fifty years remain in danger of having slipped discs. The condition is commonly known as herniated disc. Studies have shown that about half of grown-ups develop the condition where bulges in the spinal discs are observed. Nonetheless, just slightly over 2% of these become severe with obvious symptoms.

It is hence essential to visit a healthcare specialist for a diagnosis and proper management of such symptoms when they arise as well as their prevention. The spine basically is made up of stacks of bones called vertebrae and are separated using some special cushions. The cushions are referred to as the spinal discs. These have soft interiors and tough external covers. Stress can rapture these hardcovers which is the condition commonly termed as disc herniation.

The process of disc herniation is four staged. Degeneration as the first stage involves spinal discs giving up their elasticity as a person grows old. Prolapse, on the other hand as the second stage involves the soft interior contents of the discs pushing out and against the exterior hard layer thus a bulge is formed.

The third stage is termed the extrusion stage. It is in this stage that the softer interior contents spears the tough external discs layer before eventually draining into the spinal canals in the fourth and last stage called sequestration.

Several symptoms accompany the condition. These are reliant on the interruption point to the functions of the nerve and areas of damage to the discs. The symptoms include numbness, pain; tingling and the weakness of the lower back for the parts affected for example the arms, buttocks, shoulders, and thighs. Coordination and motor problem are also other symptoms.

Herniation of discs can be prevented. Some of the ways of prevention is avoiding risky acts like inappropriate lifting of loads and ensuring that spinal health is maintained at all times. On the other hand, avoiding smoking and maintaining a suitable body weight are an important way of prevention. You can also consider doing exercises to help in strengthening the trunk muscles.

At the same time, a number of techniques can be used by medical care practitioners to diagnose and manage this condition. These include physical examinations to aid in ascertaining the point of origination of pain as a result of this condition as well as using specific movements that usually mark the onset of discomfort. The other tests are such as neurological tests to determine the strength of muscles and coordination, sensory responses and even reflexes. The specialists could as well utilize x-ray tests, MRI, nerve conduction tests, and even CT scans.

For treatment, doctors usually recommend conservative and non-invasive treatments which utilize no surgery. These include physical therapy and counseling on keeping away from activities that can build up the condition. Surgical techniques are usually used for severe situations where the non-surgical methods fail. Patients may as well take various medications to ease discomforts as well as reducing muscle spasms and inflammation.




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