Introduction
Our spine is exposed to great strain every day during our lifetime. Especially in a daily routine that is characterized by sedentary activities and little physical exercise, this leads to diseases of the spine, such as a herniated disc (prolapse). Our spine consists of 24 free vertebrae (the remaining 8 to 10 are fused to form the immobile sacrum and coccyx), as well as 23 intervertebral discs.
The latter, in turn, consist of a gelatinous core with a high water content, which is held in shape by a fibrous ring. In combination with the bony vertebrae, this results in high mobility. In the event of a herniated disc, the fibrous ring tears, so that parts of the gelatinous core enter the spinal canal and irritate the nerve roots or exert pressure on various nerve structures, such as the spinal nerves or the spinal cord.
Even if this is in many cases not noticed by the patient and therefore has no consequences for him, a herniated disc can still cause various complaints, especially pain. To treat these, two basic therapy options are available: Depending on the extent of the prolapse and the choice of therapy, the disease can take different courses in the next months to years. – the conservative therapy
- And
- The operation
Development of the symptoms and consequences of a herniated disc
Although herniated discs can cause severe discomfort, more than half of all herniated discs remain without consequences for the affected person and are, if at all, only detected as a random finding. However, the disease becomes noticeable when the gelatinous core of the disc begins to exert pressure on nerve fibres. Depending on the affected nerve, this then manifests itself as pain in different parts of the body.
For many patients, this is initially pure back pain. The pain usually appears very suddenly, but it can also develop gradually. After this acute phase of disc prolapse, the pain can increase significantly without adequate treatment.
Young patients then often alternate between symptom-free intervals and painful phases. Older patients, on the other hand, tend to chronify the symptoms, so that they suffer permanently from pain, which can lead to further consequences. In addition to the pure back pain, these can radiate to other parts of the body as the herniated disc pushes the corresponding nerve fibres.
These body regions are very specific for the height at which the herniated disc occurs. At the level of the lumbar spine, for example, discomfort occurs in the legs, whereas at the level of the cervical spine it is particularly common in the arms. These complaints are primarily sensory disturbances (tingling on the skin) and numbness caused by the herniated disc, but also paralysis. This also usually leads to further consequences.
