Eighty percent of us will experience a slipped or ruptured disc at least once in our lifetimes due to the prevalence of herniated discs. Few people won’t even realize that they have a herniated disk, and most will recover without surgery.
The spinal bones, or vertebrae, in our spine, are separated by intervertebral discs, which have a jelly-like substance. When we crack the disc’s tire-like outer layer (annulus fibrosus), it feels like the jelly inside a donut is oozing out.
What is a herniated disc?
The discs between the vertebrae in the spine are constructed with particular pressure-absorption and motion-comfort features. Each disc has a sturdy yet flexible fibrous outer layer that encloses a cushy, gel-like inner layer.
Each disc has a sturdy yet flexible fibrous outer layer that encloses a cushy, gel-like inner layer. With this, they are able to perform their function better.
When the outer layer deteriorates or splits, enabling the inner gel to protrude, the disc becomes herniated. The gel can leak when the outer layer rips in some instances. However, the outer layer might continue to exist and move out with the gel.
What causes a disc to herniate?
The outer layer naturally degenerates with time as a result of normal wear and strain. The inner layer also has water in it, but after some time, it dries up. The disc becomes less flexible and more brittle due to this dehydration.
Young adults can also experience a herniated disc, even though age-related changes are the main culprit. If you regularly bend or twist your lower back, such as during vigorous physical activity, you could suffer an injury or develop a herniation.
A herniated disc is more likely to occur if you have the following risk factors:
- As compared to women, men are likely to be prone to herniated discs
- Time spent sitting: spending a lot of time seated puts too much strain on the discs.
- Weight: carrying more weight causes stress on the discs.Poor technique of lifting weights in the gymnasium leads to excessive strain and can predispose to this situation.
- Occupation: professions that entail lifting, tugging, and bending increase your risk; Even occupations which are sedentary and involve prolonged sitting can lead to disc degeneration which can be a risk factor for slipped disc .
- Smoking: By reducing your oxygen supply, smoking tobacco might hasten disc deterioration.
How does a herniated disc heal?
Healing a herniated disc is more difficult than healing a cut or wound. Your body repairs the damaged outer layer using the same healing process, but it must first cope with the unnatural bulge that is produced when the gel forces its way out.
Immunity
Your body may recover from the herniation through an immune reaction.
The immune system assists by reducing some dangerous bulges because it detects substances in the herniated portion as foreign material. In many cases the extruded material can get phagocytosed and cleared over a period of time.
Water absorption
Water contained in the gel is gradually absorbed by your body, shrinking the herniated bulge. mechanics of discs.
Extension exercises under close supervision will assist in moving the bulge away from the spinal nerves and toward the disc.
Mechanics of discs
Extension exercises under close supervision will assist in moving the bulge away from the spinal nerves and toward the disc.
What are the various treatments for herniated discs?
If your symptoms don’t seem to be improving, you might need more advanced treatments. Your healthcare professional might advise:
Medication: Your doctor might advise using a muscle relaxant or an anti-inflammatory pain reliever.
Physical therapy: To reduce strain on your nerves, a physical therapist offers you an exercise regimen. Exercise helps to increase circulation and relax tense muscles.
Spinal injections: Also known as an epidural or nerve block, this procedure involves injecting a steroid medicine right into your spine. The drug lessens the nerve’s swelling and inflammation caused by disc herniation. Your body will be able to mend and get back to work more quickly.
The bottom line is that when you receive the right care for your spine, you can relieve symptoms and restore optimal movement regardless of whether your herniated disc fully heals or not.
Majority of the minor disc ruptures heal on their own spontaneously over a period of months.
When all the Non surgical alternatives are exhausted they are treated by minimally invasive procedures like Microlumbar discectomy or endoscopic surgeries.
