Disc Herniation

Disc Bulge Treatment in Hyderabad, India

A herniated disk is an injury of the backbone (spine). A spine consists of a series of bones stretching from the base of the skull to the tailbone. Between the vertebral bones, round cushion-like structures are present. These are called discs. Discs act as buffers between the bones facilitating movements such as bending. When one of the disks ruptures or tears, it's termed a herniated disc. 
People aged between 30 to 50 are more likely to get a herniated disc. Men are more prone to this condition as compared to women. Herniated discs are the main cause of arm, neck, back or leg pain (sciatica). Generally, herniated discs occur in the lower back or neck. But, they can happen anywhere in the spine.   

Causes of disc herniation

Discs consist of a soft, gel-like core surrounded by a tougher outer layer, similar to the structure of a jelly-filled doughnut. Over time, the outer layer can deteriorate and develop fissures. A herniated disc occurs when the inner gel-like substance protrudes through these cracks, and the leaked material might exert pressure on adjacent spinal nerves.

Multiple factors can play a role in the rupture of a disc, including:

• Aging.
• Excessive body weight.
• Repetitive movements.
• Sudden stress due to incorrect lifting or twisting.

Symptoms of disc herniation

The symptoms of disc herniation depend on where the problem is located in the spine. Symptoms get better with rest and worsen with movement. 
A herniated disc in the lower back or lumbar region causes "sciatic nerve" pain. This pain radiates from one side of the buttocks into the leg or foot. The symptoms of herniated discs in the lower back include:

• Back pain

• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet

• Muscle weakness

Symptoms of herniated cervical discs include:

• Pain near the shoulder blades

• Pain traveling to the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers

• Pain at the back and sides of the neck

• Pain due to movements such as bending or turning

• Tingling or numbness in arms

• Muscle weakness due to the weakening of nerves

• Difficulty in holding or lifting objects

Types of disc herniation

There are three types of herniated discs:

• Disc protrusion- The condition is also known as "bulging discs". They occur when pressure exists between vertebrae that cause discs to bulge out or protrude outwards. The pain due to disc protrusion often gets unnoticed. However, the pain associated is generally mild. 

• Disc extrusion- A non-contained herniation is also called a disc extrusion. These extrusions cause severe back pain. They are also associated with tingling and numbness in the extremities as they cause pain in the surrounding nerves. 

• Sequestered herniation- When disc extrusions go unnoticed or untreated, they cause a sequestered herniation. In this condition, the vertebrae compress discs so forcefully that they rupture them. 

Risk factors of disc herniation

Factors leading to lumbar disc herniation include:

• Age- The condition can occur in people 35 to 50 years of age. It causes symptoms after 80 years. 

• Gender- Men are at higher risk of getting disc hernia as compared to women. 

• Physical work- Jobs that demand high physical labour or heavy lifting increase the risk of disc herniation. Constant pushing, pulling, and twisting can also add to the risk. 

• Obesity- Excess weight increases the risk of herniated discs. After microdiscectomy surgery, the patient is 12 times more likely to develop the same disc hernia again. Extra weight increases pressure on the spine leading to herniation. 

• Smoking- Nicotine restricts the blood flow in spinal discs. It increases the rate of disc degeneration and inhibits healing. A degenerated disc can tear and crack easily causing a hernia. 

• Family history- A patient can have a disc hernia if someone from his family had the condition. 

Diagnosis of disc herniation 

At CARE Hospitals, we provide the following ways for diagnosing disc hernias:

• X-Rays- These do not detect the herniated discs, but determine the root cause of the condition such as a tumour, broken bone, infection, or spinal alignment issues. 

• CT Scan- A CT Scan takes X-rays from different directions and combines them to form images of the spinal cord and the surrounding structures. 

• MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to form images of internal structures of the body. This test can be used to determine the exact location of a herniated disc. Further, also detect affected nerves. 

• Myelogram- Before taking X-rays, a dye is injected into the spinal fluid. This test shows the pressure on the nerves or spine due to multiple herniated discs or other medical conditions. 

• Nerve tests- Nerve conduction studies and electromyograms help to know the rate of conduction of electrical impulses along a nerve. This detects the location of nerve damage. 

• Nerve conduction study- In this test, electrodes are placed on the skin to measure the electrical nerve impulses and functioning of nerves and muscles. The study measures electrical impulses in the nerve when a small current is applied. 

• Electromyography- In this test, the doctor inserts a needle electrode in the muscles through the skin. It evaluates muscle activity during contraction, relaxation and at rest. 

Treatment of disc herniation

People diagnosed with a disc herniation treatment should refer to the best doctor for Slipped Disc in Hyderabad specializing in orthopaedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation or neurosurgery. At CARE Hospitals, we have well-qualified medical practitioners who can help to treat disc hernia through the following ways:

Medications

• Over-the-counter pain medications- In the case of mild to moderate pain, medications are helpful. 
• Injections are given in the spinal area for relief. 
• Muscle relaxers are prescribed to patients having muscle spasms. 

Therapy- Physical therapy can help to reduce pain by suggesting accurate positions and exercises.   

Surgery- Patients with severe disc hernia end up with surgery. Surgery is suggested when conventional treatments fail to reduce symptoms after 6 weeks. Patients can continue to have poorly controlled pain, difficulty in walking or standing, weakness, numbness, or loss of bowel control. 

Generally, surgeons remove only the protruding part of the disc. However, in rare cases, the entire disc is removed. In such cases, a bone graft is used to connect the vertebrae. 

Prevention

Preventing a herniated disc may not always be entirely feasible, but you can minimize your risk by:

• Adhering to proper lifting techniques, which involve avoiding bending at the waist. Instead, bend your knees while maintaining a straight back and rely on your powerful leg muscles to assist in carrying the load.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight since excess weight places added pressure on the lower back.
• Cultivating good posture by learning how to enhance your posture during activities like walking, sitting, standing, and sleeping. This can reduce strain on your spine.
• Incorporating regular stretching into your routine, particularly if you often spend long periods sitting.
• Refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes, as they can misalign your spine.
• Engaging in regular exercise with a focus on strengthening your back and abdominal muscles to provide support to your spine.
• Quitting smoking, as smoking can weaken the discs, rendering them more susceptible to herniation. Consider giving up this habit.

How can CARE Hospitals Help? 

People suffering from disc hernias require immediate medical assistance to avoid complications. Therefore, we at CARE Hospitals provide 24-hour medical support to patients so they can get timely treatment by the best doctor for slipped disc in Hyderabad or in our other facilities. We provide comprehensive care through personalized treatment options and minimally invasive procedures. We have the best medical staff that provide care and assistance after the slip disc treatment in Hyderabad so our patients can recover fast and get back to their lives.