Differentiation between a herniated disc and a vertebral blockage | Lumboischialgia

Differentiation between a herniated disc and a vertebral blockage

A vertebral blockage is a painful process in which two vertebrae lying on top of each other are tilted. The individual vertebrae have several joint surfaces and spurs to guarantee spinal stability, protection of the spinal canal, but also flexibility in movement. Clumsy movements or jerky rotation can lead to a blockage of these vertebral joints, which is often accompanied by muscular tension.

This results in a severe, shooting pain, also known as “lumbago“. In contrast, a herniated disc is a disease of the intervertebral disc. This ruptures in a sudden movement, for example when lifting heavily, and the fluid in the core of the disc leaks out.

Acute and stabbing pain can also occur here. A lumboischialgia can occur in both cases as a result. Due to the vertebral blockage, the muscular tension can influence the emerging sciatic nerve. In the case of a herniated disc, the escaping fluid can push the nerve off.

Distinction between ISG blockade and lumboischialgia

An ISG blockage is a mechanical blockage of the sacroiliac joint. This is located in the lumbar region and connects the sacral vertebrae with the large hip scoop. The joint is functionally severely restricted, but is subject to considerable stress during bending, sitting and lying movements.

A blockage in this area is very painful.The cause of the blockage is a muscular tension caused by a wrong movement. Triggers for this can be heavy lifting, jerky movements, twisting of the hips or the typical “kick into the void”. The blockage can be released with the help of certain exercises.

This can also cause pain that radiates into the leg. This is known as “pseudo-radicular” pain. There is a big difference between lumboischialgia and ISG blockage.

In lumboischialgia, the nerve root or the nerve itself is affected. Accordingly, the pain can be tracked and precisely assigned to the area supplied by the nerve. The pseudoradicular pain of ISG blockade cannot be tracked because there is no irritation of the nerve root. Nevertheless, radiating tingling and numbness up to the legs are described here.