Localization of the herniated disc
A herniated disc of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine) – also known as lumbar disc herniation – occurs significantly more frequently than a herniated disc of the cervical or thoracic spine. About 90% of all herniated discs are found in the lower section of the spine. The reason for this is the weight bearing on the lumbar spine, which is particularly noticeable during movement.
During physical work or sports the lumbar spine is thus most stressed. There is also a frequency distribution within the lumbar spine. 80% are distributed among the lumbar spine segments L4/5 and most frequently L5/S1 In the worst case, a herniated disc in the upper lumbar spine affects those nerves that are responsible for the regulation of the bladder muscles.
In this case, the patient may suffer from a bladder voiding disorder, i.e. he or she no longer has any control over the emptying of urine in the bladder and becomes incontinent and other symptoms appear. In the case of additional symptoms such as faecal incontinence and numbness in the genital and anal areas (riding breeches anaesthesia), this is known as “Cauda- Equina syndrome”. In this case a doctor should be contacted quickly.
With the help of an emergency operation, an attempt is then made to relieve the constricted nerve root. This is the best way to prevent chronic faecal and urinary incontinence. – Vertebral body
- Intervertebral disc
- Slipped disc / herniated disc
- Spinous process
A herniated disc of the cervical spine is medically also called cervical herniated disc.
Since this area of the spine is not as heavy as the thoracic and lumbar spine, herniated discs of the cervical spine are less frequently observed. Often the lower section of the cervical spine is affected, as this is where the individual vertebral segments show the greatest mobility. In the cervical spine, a herniated disc can press on the nerves exiting the spinal canal.
This is mainly noticeable through pain in the neck area, which can spread to the shoulders or head. Since the nerves that supply the arms are located in the cervical spine, a cervical herniated disc often manifests itself with pain radiating into the arm. In addition, the affected person may experience sensory disturbances in the skin area supplied by the affected nerve: unpleasant tingling or numbness up to the hands may occur.
In the worst case, motor deficits of the arm, i.e. paralysis of the arm muscles, may also occur. Many of those affected also suffer from other symptoms such as dizziness or balance problems. Due to the complaints, many patients take a relieving posture, which additionally contributes to stiffening of the neck and thus further aggravates the symptoms.
Causes of a slipped disc in the cervical spine are too much and wrong loads, as well as unfavorable movements of the cervical spine. This also includes long-term incorrect loading, such as working in front of the computer with a stiff head position. Cervical herniated discs can also be provoked by injuries.
This can happen, for example, in a rear-end collision in which the head is thrown forward unprotected and not stabilized. Herniated discs in the cervical area are more likely to occur in older people, since wear and tear of the cervical spine, which manifests itself in the form of loosened joints, can more easily lead to a prolapse. MRI of the cervical spine:
- Intervertebral disc
- Vertebral body
- Spinal cord
- Slipped disc
A herniated disc in the thoracic spine is much less common than a herniated disc in the cervical or lumbar spine.
Often these herniated discs present without symptoms and are sometimes discovered by the doctor only as a chance finding in a CT or MRI of the thoracic spine. But not every patient is spared. The main symptom of a herniated disc of BWS is pain.
And if the affected person complains of pain, it is usually very pronounced. The pain is located locally above the affected vertebral segment and is often accompanied by local inflammation or muscle tension in the thoracic spine. The pain may also radiate from the spine along the ribs to the front of the chest towards the middle of the ribcage.
This particular radiation of pain is known as “intercostal neuralgia” and is described by patients as very unpleasant. It is also typical for the pain caused by the herniated disc of BWS to be intensified by coughing, sneezing or laughing. Also affected persons complain from time to time about other complaints, such as palpitations or heart stumbling and tightness in the chest.
Even dizziness and shortness of breath are reported by some affected patients. In the case of a herniated disc in the thoracic spine, pain often radiates additionally into the arms, but less frequently the legs are affected. On the arms and legs, the herniated disc can in turn manifest itself as sensitive disorders (tingling, numbness) and motor deficits (paralysis).
Impairment of the thoracic spine can also lead to bladder and bowel emptying disorders. If these symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention immediately, as the spinal cord is damaged and surgical treatment is required. The main cause of a slipped disc of BWS is wear and tear due to old age. Physical strain and stress, as well as incorrect posture or incorrect weight-bearing, can also provoke such a herniated disc.
