80%of people suffer from low back pain, most of which is the result of a herniated disc, according to the latest studies.
Therefore, in this article, we will learn in detail about everything related to herniated disc, its causes, types, methods of prevention, and the best treatment centers in Egypt.
What is a herniated disc:
- A herniated disc is called the DISC and some may call it a back disc, a slipped cartilage, a prolapsed disc, a slipped disc, a herniated disc, or a ruptured disc
- It is a mechanical deviation that occurs to the disc that is located between the vertebrae when it moves from its place in a certain direction.
- Which makes it put pressure on the nerve roots branching from the spinal cord.
- Thus, disc symptoms occur, the most important of which is the sensation of pain or numbness, and sometimes weakness in the arm or foot, depending on the area in which it occurred
How does a herniated disc occur?
It occurs when rubber pads or “discs “located between the vertebrae of the spine become infected with a certain protrusion.
The main function of these discs located between the vertebrae of the spine is to reduce the friction that arises between the vertebrae and ease and smooth movement of the spine.
Types of herniated discs:
It may occur in any part of the spine consisting of a group of cervical vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae, as well as lumbar vertebrae
Thus there are several types of them:
1. Lumbar herniated disc:
- The lumbar vertebrae are located in the lumbar region, which makes this part of the spine more susceptible to this type of injury.
- Therefore, it is the most common type among people of various categories due to the protrusion of cartilaginous discs located between the lumbar vertebrae in the lumbar region.
- Slipping of the cervical vertebrae often occurs as a result of a person lifting a heavy weight with a lower back twist and may affect people between 35 to 50 years
- There are some factors that may increase the incidence of a lumbar herniated disc:
- Doing a wrong and sudden lumbar twisting
- Lifting heavy objects with lumbar twisting
- Sitting in one position for a long time
- Frequent driving of cars
2. Cervical herniated disc
It is the second most common type after lumbar vertebra sliding and cervical vertebrae help to bend the neck and back properly
This type occurs between the cervical vertebrae when the herniated disc protrudes between the cervical vertebrae and therefore the neck disc may cause pain in the neck and upper back
It is possible that some people may not show symptoms of this type of slip despite having it.
3. Thoracic herniated disc:
It is the least common type where there is a change in the direction of the cartilaginous discs located between the thoracic vertebrae.
And in this case, there is a sliding of the thoracic vertebrae in the upper back
most often the symptoms, in this case, vary depending on the location of the Slipped Disc
But the main one is the feeling of constant pain as a result of the fact that the substance in the disc affects the external nerve root or on the spinal cord
Symptoms of Cartilage slip :
- Feeling of numbness or tingling in the foot or leg
- Weakness in the leg or foot
- Weakness in the arm or hand
- Severe headaches
- Feeling of numbness or numbness in the shoulder or one of the arms
- Stiff neck and difficulty moving
The most important tips for herniated disc patients :
Disc patients often suffer on a daily basis, especially with the performance of various activities, so it is important to follow several effective tips, including :
1. Be sure to use hot or cold compresses : Use cold compresses or hot compresses to heal the muscle while obtaining an appropriate amount of rest for the muscles
2. Reduce rest for long hours:One of the most common mistakes that disc sufferers make is lying in bed for a long time
but they should avoid doing this because lying in bed for long hours can cause joint spasms and muscle weakness
3. Avoid loading the body too much: Excess loads lead to problems in the spine, a herniated disc
Neck cartilage :
We can define the neck cartilage as an inflammation of the neck joints and it can be called cervical spondylosis. the neck cartilage is one of the few widespread injuries due to its dependence on age and aging
The cartilage of the neck is an elastic disc located between the cervical vertebrae, and it serves to provide the visceral medium and help absorb and mitigate shocks and vibrations that occur when moving. Cervical cartilage consists of a gel containing water, proteins, and sugars, called the pulpous nucleus.
Where the cervical cartilage can be exposed to many problems and damages such as wear and tear due to intensive use, injuries, or chronic diseases
Symptoms of neck cartilage :
Which leads to the appearance of symptoms such as pain, stiffness, fatigue, headache, dizziness, a feeling of pain, and numbness in the limbs. And in some serious cases, damage to the cervical cartilage can cause mobility problems, muscle weakness, and even paralysis.
Symptoms of cervical cartilage problems vary depending on the type, severity, and location of the injury. Among the common symptoms of cervical cartilage problems are:
The most important symptoms of neck cartilage are the following :
1-pain in the neck, shoulders, back.
2 – feeling of numbness and numbness in the arms and fingers.
3-headache and dizziness.
4-muscle weakness in the arms and fingers.
5-discomfort and fatigue.
6-difficulty in movement and prolonged immobility.
7-feeling of stiffness in the muscles and joints.
8-feeling of tingling and burning sensation in the neck, shoulders, and back.
9-digestive problems and difficulty swallowing.
There are some other symptoms that occur as a result of neck cartilage, but they are less common than the previous symptoms, the most important of which are :
-Disruption of the digestive system
-Dizziness and nausea
-Blurred vision
-Tinnitus in the ear
Lack of memory and frequent forgetting
Treatment of neck cartilage :
Minor neck cartilage conditions may be treated with home remedies and lifestyle changes, while in other cases medical or surgical treatment is required. Here are some possible treatment options for neck cartilage:
Medical treatment:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be used to relieve pain and inflammation. Physical therapy, which includes aerobics, massage, heat therapy and muscle strengthening, can also be used to improve muscle tone and improve neck flexibility.
Surgical treatment:In severe and chronic cases of neck cartilage, surgery can be required to remove the damaged cartilage or to immobilize the affected vertebrae. A doctor’s consultation should be carried out to determine whether surgery is the optimal treatment in the particular case.
Changes in lifestyle:Daily lifestyle changes and healthy practices can be worked on to help relieve the symptoms of neck cartilage and reduce the aggravation of the problem. Some changes can be applied
The cartilage of the back :
Back chondrosis is a condition in which the cartilage that envelops the vertebrae in the spine is damaged and worn out resulting in nerve irritation and pain which can cause difficulty in movement and discomfort.
Several factors cause the cartilage of the back to wear out, such as age and old age, exposure to trauma and sports injuries, organic diseases such as arthritis, thyroid disease, and others.
Symptoms of back cartilage often appear when suffering from osteoarthritis or so-called degenerative joint disease, a condition that causes deterioration of the protective cartilage that slows bone growth, and makes it wear out
And partially causes some kind of swelling and pain. It may also cause the development of bone spurs
Symptoms of back cartilage include:
-Pain in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and feet and may be accompanied by numbness or numbness
-Difficulty moving as a result of pain
-Muscle spasms in the back and neck
-Muscle weakness and loss of ability to use some joints
Cartilage treatment :
There are many effective ways to treat a disc or herniated disc without surgery using physiotherapy by
A set of the following methods:
-The use of compresses for herniated discs, both cold and hot
-Treatment of herniated disc with massage
-Perform some stretching exercises to maintain muscle flexibility
-Do some exercises to strengthen the muscles to support the vertebrae and cartilage
-The use of electrical devices to stimulate muscles
-Riding a stationary bike and walking
-The use of ultrasound devices
Chondrosis of the back can be treated by a set of methods :
1. Avoid any violent sports or extreme physical exertion
2. Refrain from carrying heavy weights or bending the torso and it is possible to perform knee squatting exercises
3. Sleep in a comfortable position of the body by lifting the legs on a pillow when sleeping on the back
4. Constantly changing the position of the body and not staying in one position for a long
Herniated disc :
A herniated disc is a condition that occurs when a piece of cartilage located between the vertebrae in the spine slips out of its normal place and presses on the nerves around it causing pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.
Herniated discs usually occur in the lumbar and cervical vertebrae, but they can occur in any part of the spine. Herniated discs are usually caused by aging and natural wear of the cartilage, but they can also be caused by injuries, overloading and other diseases.
The sufferer of cartilage sliding can feel a set of these symptoms, including:
-Severe pain in the spine, lower or upper extremities
-Numbness and numbness of the limbs
-Weakness in the muscles
-Difficulty moving and doing daily activities
Doctor herniated disc :
Doctors who specialize in the treatment of a herniated disc (or disc slip) generally deal with this condition by assessing the patient’s condition, diagnosing it, and then providing an appropriate treatment plan. Doctors specializing in the treatment of a herniated disc can be specialists in general surgery, physiotherapy, neurology, or the musculoskeletal system.
In general, the specialist in the treatment of a herniated disc provides the necessary treatment to relieve pain and improve the general condition of the patient, and this can include:
1. Assessment of the patient’s condition: the patient’s condition is assessed, symptoms and clinical signs associated with a herniated disc are identified, the patient’s complaints are listened to, a personal and family history of the disease and the medications he is taking are determined.
2. Medical treatment: includes the use of pain-relieving drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain, swelling, neuritis, and also help improve the mobility and functional ability of the patient.
Herniated disc clinic :
There are many clinics and medical centers that specialize in the treatment of herniated disc, and the patient can search for specialized clinics in his area that provide herniated disc treatment services.
The services provided by clinics specializing in the treatment of a herniated disc vary and can include:
-Accurate diagnosis of the patient’s condition and determination of the severity of the herniated disc :
-Provide medical and physical therapy to relieve pain and improve the patient’s condition.
-Performing surgery in severe and chronic herniated discs that do not respond to medical and physical treatment
-Provision of X-ray therapy and medical laser therapy
-Providing manual therapy, massage, heat therapy, and breathing training
What is the best center for the treatment of herniated disc without surgery?
There are many physiotherapy centers located in Egypt, but the best of them is FIZIK Physiotherapy Center Using the Spine-Decompression device
because:
- It identifies the affected vertebra and moves it to its normal place to reduce pressure on the nerve
- Increases the distance between the vertebrae and thus reduces the pressure on the cartilage
- Reduces pressure at the vertebral level and helps to nourish the cartilage of the spine
- The disc treats neck, back, or sciatica without surgery and helps to expand the nerve canal
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