Herniated Disc: Causes, Prevention Methods, and Treatment

Herniated Disc: Causes, Prevention Methods, and Treatment

Before going over how a herniated disc happens, it is key to understand what the role of the disc is in the structure of the spine. The discs are placed in-between the vertebrae. They fulfill the role of cushioning these bones and keeping them attached while also allowing motion and helping the spine to bear weight. These discs are formed by a gelatinous substance which gives them their cushioning and fixating effect in-between the vertebrae. These cartilaginous rings are formed by two parts: the shell, which is like a fibrous ring that covers the core. The core is, as its name implies; in the center and it is a jelly-like, transparent piece compound by 88% of water.

The herniated disc is a condition that consists of the core of the disc being pushed outside its structure. Therefore, the intervertebral disc is pushed out and starts applying pressure to the nerves and the nerve roots around it. There are no nerves inside the discs, but when these are displaced, they press the nerves in the area producing severe pain. 

Depending on the part of the spine where the herniated disc appears, symptoms will be presented in different body parts. For example, if it is a herniated disc in the low back, symptoms will be felt in the legs.

Some of the most common causes of this condition are:

• Age, the dehydration that occurs with aging affects the discs by causing them to dry, hence, reducing the capacity of discs to protect the vertebrae.
• Carrying heavy weight incorrectly. In other words, using the back to carry the weight instead of the strength of the legs. Similarly, twisting the body while lifting an object can also make the spine more prone to this kind of issue.
• Doing repeated motions that apply pressure to the back. 
• Sitting down for long periods. 

Bearing in mind the causing factors of a herniated disc, to prevent it, it is key to be wary of holding a good posture and being careful with our movements, especially while lifting or carrying weight. This way, we can avoid moving incorrectly and applying pressure to the spine that can displace the discs.

For what regards the recovery process, in many cases, treatment without surgery is enough to achieve a successful recovery if it is followed properly. 

Non-surgery treatments usually include physiotherapy sessions which will be carried out according to what the expert determines upon their examination. Similarly, from this study, they will make further recommendations which can include specific exercising routines and changes of habits.

In some other cases, depending on the location of the hernia, surgery should be followed. There are different methods like stem cells – ask your orthopedic doctor about it – , but the objective is the same; withdrawing the hernia to free the compressed nerves.