Persistent low back pain is one symptom that may indicate herniated disc. Herniated disc is a medical condition where there is a tear in the outer portion of the spinal disc and its internal soft portion bulges out. The tearing results to the release of inflammation mediators which in turn leads to pain.
The problem with herniated disc is the compression of nerves present on the spinal column. Nerve compression does not just make pain worse but also alter functions of the body. Every nerve present on the spinal column has its distinct function. If it if compressed, it could not transmit information from the brain to the body and vice versa which then affects the body part relying on that compressed nerve.
There are many reasons why there is herniated disc. One is due to wear and tear or aging. Another is due to years of constant vertebral strain or abuse on the spine. Injury or any accident like fall can also result to herniated disc.
Signs and symptoms of herniated disc may include the following: severe pain (like electric shock), tingling sensation on a body part (like pin prick), body weakness, reflex retardation, and in rare cases urinary problems. It should be noted that symptoms are dependent on the nerve affected.
Of all cases regarding herniated disc, about 50% of those with the said condition recover within a month and about 90% recover within six months. As small as 10% of all cases require herniated disc surgery. The objective for herniated disc surgery is to gain more range of movement and pain reduction.
Herniated disc surgery can be done in different ways. One is through open disectomy where the herniated disc is surgically removed. It can be applied for bulging discs or ruptured discs. Next is through laminotomy and Laminectomy. These surgeries are done to relieve the pressure in the spinal cord. Laminotomy removes a part of the lamina which is a part of the vertebrae that covers the spinal cord while Laminectomy removes all of the lamina on a particular vertebra including the tissue that causes narrowing of the spinal canal. Last is through percutaneous disectomy. Here, a small incision is made at the back and a special instrument is used to remove the herniated disc tissue to reduce the size of the herniation. It has been found that this type of herniation disc surgery is less effective than open disectomy and should considered experimental.
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