Prolapsed disc
A prolapsed disc (herniated disc) is when the mucoid-type core of the vertebral disc pushes out into the spinal canal, often as a result of the surrounding fiber ring becoming brittle. If due to the incident the spinal cord itself is irritated in the spinal canal or a prolapsed nerve root (spinal ganglion), this results in severe radiating pain, a feeling of numbness and even possibly to paralysis of the muscles supplied by this nerve.
Cause
The prolapsed disc or herniated disc occurs most often as a result of years of previous damage to the disc, i.e. to its fibrous ring tissue (fibrous annulus). The so-called core of the vertebral disc is made of a jelly-like substance (nucleus pulposes) and can take over the function of a hydraulic sphere during exertion. This allows a high degree of mobility throughout the entire spinal column but also to a high amount of stability.
The human spinal column has 23 vertebral discs. Between the first (atlas) and second (axis) vertebrae (counting from top to bottom) there is no vertebral disc, but rather layers of joint cartilage. Which is important for nodding and turning the head, because there is much less “wear and tear” as a result.
There are several causes for herniated disc: genetic weakness, unilateral exertion of load during work or play, traumatic events (accidents) or a muscle deficiency (insufficiency). There are many people above the age of 90 who have never had troubles with the spine or vertebral discs despite having worked physically hard most of their lives. On the other hand, there are children who have already had herniated discs. The average age of susceptibility to the disease is 40, and the most frequently affected vertebrae are located in the lumbar spine region.
Treatment
Conservative treatment (physical therapy – chiropractics – stretch devices) as well as the less frequent removal of the part of the vertebral disc applying pressure to the nerve root via surgery can lead to success in terms of relieving the nerve root. An even more rare procedure is spondylodesis, which involves the immobilization of neighboring vertebral bodies by fusion using metal material (spondylodesis).
As a general rule, the cause of the vertebral disc incident should always be taken into consideration when planning therapy: malposition, overexertion, etc. Many hospitals offer so-called “back schools” to minimize the exertion on the spinal column in everyday life (at the workplace), i.e. correct lifting, relief positions, muscle strengthening). The Alexander technique, the Feldenkrais methods or the McKenzie concept are among the many therapy and diagnosis approaches offered here.
At times, this indication is also treated with acupuncture.
Prevention
Everyone will ask himself or herself this question. If we consider the causes previously listed, then we can also find ways to prevent the disease. Here it must, however, be taken into consideration that so-called “conjunctive tissue weakness”, which is extensive, can only be balanced somewhat through muscle build-up and appropriate medications (vitamin C, New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract, glucosamine, etc.). We will also never be able to fully prevent the occurrence of accidents. Each individual has at least the opportunity to continue consequently building up muscle through physical exercise or also bodybuilding or sports and avoid lifting excessively heavy objects.