What Is a Herniated Disc?
The spine, which consists of a series of connected bones called vertebrae, is a bony structure that houses the spinal cord. The disc connecting the vertebrae is connective tissue that functions like a cushion between the vertebrae. The discs have a tough outer layer around them and a gel-like structure in the middle. Over time, the gel-like structure loses its fluidity and begins to no longer perform its cushioning function as before.
The disc that loses its soft fluids becomes harder and flatter, and the tough outer ring of the disc tears. This causes the disc to shift and create the condition called a herniated disc. The displaced disc puts pressure on the nerves, which causes the person to feel severe pain. Most herniations occur in the lumbar region and in the last two discs just below the lower back. When the discs between the lumbar vertebrae are damaged, the nerves are compressed and a hernia occurs.
Herniated disc is the most common cause of lower back and leg pain. Many people face the problem of lower back pain, and the underlying cause is often a herniated disc. If a herniated disc, generally seen between the ages of 30 – 50, is diagnosed early, it is possible to prevent its progression.
So, Who Is Most Commonly Affected by a Herniated Disc?
The patients who constitute the risk group for a herniated disc are as follows;
- It is more commonly seen between the ages of 30-50. It is especially more common in older individuals. Because; the gel-like fluid in the discs decreases over time. For these reasons, the likelihood of being seen in older individuals is higher than in children and young people.
- It is more common in overweight individuals due to the increased load on the lower back. In addition, the frequency also increases in pregnant women due to weight gain and hormonal changes. A herniated disc, which is already a painful condition, may become even more painful during pregnancy.
- Since smoking causes fluid loss in the discs, herniated disc is seen more frequently in individuals who smoke.
- Some occupational groups have a higher risk of herniated disc than others. Herniated disc is more common in individuals working in occupations that require carrying heavy loads or driving and sitting for long periods.
What Are the Symptoms of a Herniated Disc?
The most typical symptom of a herniated disc is severe pain radiating from the lower back down to the legs. The pressure of the displaced disc on the nerves sends a signal to the brain, causing the person to feel severe pain.
Severe and long-lasting pain is the most common symptom of a herniated disc. This pain starts in the lower back and radiates toward the legs. It can be felt in the lower back, hips, legs, and even the toes. These pains become even more severe especially with sudden movements such as laughing, coughing, and sneezing, and spasms may occur.
One of the common symptoms seen in people with a herniated disc is limitation of movement. Limitation of movement, difficulty walking, and numbness are seen together with lower back and leg pain. The patient feels serious weakness in the lower back and legs.
The damaged discs in the spine that cause a herniated disc put pressure on the sciatic nerve. As a result of this pressure, nerve root pain, that is, sciatica pain, occurs in the patient. If the gel-like tissue that protrudes by tearing the outer layer causes inflammation, irritation may occur in the nerves extending along the line. This causes sciatic pain in the lower back, leg, hip, and feet. Since there is a separate nerve line in each leg, the pain does not have to be seen in both legs at the same time. It may occur in only one leg. Since the damaged disc may put pressure not only on the sciatic nerves but also on another nerve around the spine; this pressure on the nerve causes the patient to feel pricking, tingling, and burning sensations. Pain in the form of pricking, stinging, and burning sensations is also among the common symptoms.
These pains may increase when the patient bends forward. Positions that cause the lower back to bend, such as slouching in a chair and bending over, particularly intensify leg pain.
The condition called foot drop, which is difficulty lifting the leg while walking or standing on tiptoe, is also caused by a herniated disc.
Another symptom of a herniated disc is difficulty controlling bowel and bladder function. This symptom is seen in quite advanced stages of the hernia and is a sign of the critical nature of the disease. This rare symptom is caused by compression of the spinal nerve roots. It is a symptom that should be taken seriously and requires urgent medical attention. In such a case, surgical intervention should be performed on the patient as soon as possible.
Although a herniated disc generally causes symptoms such as pain and numbness, a herniated disc that develops without causing any symptoms may also be seen. In such patients, the disc usually has shifted only slightly. For this reason, the nerve is not exposed to pressure and the patient does not develop any complaints. A herniated disc without symptoms is not a very common condition; however, it is a condition that, although not frequent, may be discovered incidentally during a general examination.
The most definitive way to diagnose a patient experiencing the complaints mentioned above with a herniated disc is X-ray, MRI, and tomography. In addition to a physical and neurological examination, it is possible to diagnose a herniated disc in a patient with imaging tests. With these tests, the lower back is scanned and it becomes possible to obtain a clear image of soft tissues such as the discs.
