Intervertebral disc presses on a nerve
The sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in the human body. Similar to the nerves of the upper extremities, it has its origin not only in a spinal cord segment. Instead, it originates from the plexus sacralis and receives nerve fibres from the segments L4 to S3.
From this it can be concluded that any herniated disc that presses on the nerve root of a spinal nerve originating at this height can cause sciatica (colloquially called “sciatica”, also called sciatica). The most common cause is nevertheless a herniated disc at the level of the lower lumbar spine. The symptoms caused by nerve root irritation of the sciatic nerve are usually very characteristic, so that the cause is usually easy to diagnose.
The most typical symptom is pain, which is referred to as “ischialgia” in medical terminology. This is characterized by pain felt as tearing or pulling, which radiates from the buttocks into the back thigh via the lower leg to the foot. This pain can be intensified by sneezing, coughing or the abdominal press, since this causes an increase in pressure in the abdomen, which causes the intervertebral disc to additionally press on the nerve root.
Furthermore, sensations such as tingling or numbness can occur in the same area. In the case of a severe herniated disc, muscle weakness and paralysis in the leg, as well as urinary incontinence can develop. Diagnosis and treatment of herniated discs that affect the sciatic nerve are otherwise similar to those of other herniated discs. Here, too, a significant reduction of the symptoms can often be achieved simply by maintaining a healthy posture, doing sports, and losing weight.
Intervertebral disc presses on the spinal cord
If the nucleus pulposus bulges out in the context of a herniated disc, it can press on various nerve structures of the spinal canal. In many cases, this affects the nerve roots of the spinal nerves, which originate in the spinal cord cord and exit the spinal canal through the intervertebral holes. In other cases, however, the intervertebral disc can also exert pressure directly on the spinal cord.
In principle, the symptoms that occur here are similar to those of root irritation of the spinal nerves. In their intensity, however, they usually exceed these. Thus the strongest pain in the arms and legs and sensations of numbness, temperature sensation disorders or numbness can occur.
On the other hand, paralysis or spasms of the muscles are also possible. The function of the sphincter muscles of the bladder and rectum can also be impaired, resulting in faecal or urinary incontinence. Potency disorders can also be a consequence of impairment of the spinal cord. Every slipped disc that causes incontinence or paralysis is a medical emergency that should be treated as soon as possible, as permanent nerve damage can be the result.
