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Definition and Causes of Herniated Disc

08 october 2019

Definition and Causes of Herniated Disc

When we talk about herniated disc, we do it with a relatively common pathology that affects the intervertebral disc, a gelatinous structure that allows the flexibility of the spine and acts as a buffer against daily activities. With the passage of time, the disc can suffer alterations, compromising its functionality and reducing the quality of life of the people who suffer them, explains best physiotherapist in Dwarka.

Each disk is composed of two elements: the nucleus pulposus and a fibrous ring that surrounds it. Repeated pressures or inappropriate movements can cause the ring to suffer some wear, causing an alteration in the core.

The herniated disc would appear when this wear supposes the rupture of the ring and, therefore, the migration of the nucleus, generating compression in the adjacent structures: the medulla, if it is a central hernia, or the nerve root that is located on both sides of the vertebra, if it is radicular.

Depending on the area, severity and deviation of the migration, the extent of the pathology in the patient will be assessed, says physiotherapist in Dwarka.

Symptomatology and origin

As we say, the presence of a herniated disc usually involves pain. However, not in all cases it happens in the same way or with the same intensity. In some, it even remains hidden for a while until the first symptoms appear. In short, it depends on each case.

Depending on the place in the spine where the condition originates, the herniated discs can be classified as lumbar, dorsal or cervical. The most frequent occur in the lower back, especially L4-L5, L5-S1.

A herniated disc, in addition to pain, can cause loss of strength, cramps, tingling or numbness in the arm and leg, depending on whether it is in the cervical or lumbar area. But why does it occur?

When assessing the origin of wear and subsequent breakage of fibrous rings, it is important to take into account certain mechanical factors; that is to say, they may arise from the repetition of some incorrect activities or postures.

However, these causes should not be disassociated from deeper ones, which can cause changes in the patient and that are often present in their day to day. We refer to prolonged stress, sedentary lifestyle, poor eating, certain visceral disorders or obesity. These factors can generate an initial spiral that drives the onset of pathology.

Physiotherapy in Dwarka

Before facing the delimitation of a treatment, the physiotherapist in Janakpuri will thoroughly explore the patient, assessing the associated limitations, deciphering the various causes and factors, and dismissing other pathologies with identical symptoms.

From here, the physiotherapist in Uttam Nagar would address the condition from an integral point of view; that is, manual therapy will be as necessary, as the prescribed physical activity or the modification of postural habits in the patient, and therefore its involvement in the process, to achieve its improvement.