The herniated disc They are a frequent cause of consultation because the patient usually presents pain in the arms or legs, depending on their location.
It is one of the most common spinal pathologies and affects millions of people around the world. This condition occurs when a part of an intervertebral disc slips out of place and compresses nearby nerve roots, causing muscle pain and/or weakness.
The vertebrae of the spine are separated by discs that provide cushioning and space between them. These discs can slip out of place (herniate) or rupture due to trauma or strain. When this happens, there can be pressure on the spinal nerves and lead to pain, numbness, or weakness.
They are more common in the cervical and lumbar regions because they support a greater weight load (lumbar) or due to greater movement (cervical). In cervical hernias, the pain or loss of strength is located in the arms, forearms or hands, while, in lumbar hernias, it is focused in the buttocks, thighs, legs or feet.
The causes are multiple, from injuries to falls from height, repetitive movements, poor postural habits, obesity and aging. It can affect people of any age, but is most common between 35 and 55 years of age. As time goes by, the intervertebral discs lose water and elasticity, which increases the risk of suffering from it.
Some measures that can help with prevention are maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, strengthening muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding sudden movements or lifting heavy objects.
The hernia can be recurrent in some people or occur at another level, especially if it is not treated properly or if the underlying causes are not addressed. Its frequency is difficult to specify since many people may have asymptomatic hernias that are never diagnosed.
Treatments vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. In some cases, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or a block are recommended. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the part of the herniated disc and decompress the affected nerve root.
In summary, It is a very painful and debilitating condition., which can affect anyone, however, with proper treatment and prevention, most control their pain and improve their quality of life. It is important for those who experience them to seek medical attention as soon as possible to obtain an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Neurosurgeon, professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
