Herniated Disc

Definition

A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc protrudes through a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of the disc. This can lead to compression of the surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, and other neurological symptoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) and neck (cervical spine), where the intervertebral discs are under the most stress.
2. Risk factors for developing a herniated disc include age, obesity, poor posture, sudden trauma, and repetitive strain on the spine.
3. Symptoms of a herniated disc may include localized back or neck pain, radiating pain into the extremities (sciatica), numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness.
4. Diagnosis of a herniated disc typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans.
5. Treatment for a herniated disc may include conservative measures like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections, with surgery as a last resort for severe or persistent cases.

Review Questions

• Explain the anatomical structure and function of the intervertebral disc and how a herniated disc can occur.
  • The intervertebral disc is composed of a tough outer ring called the annulus fibrosus and a soft, gelatinous inner core called the nucleus pulposus. These discs act as shock absorbers, allowing for flexibility and movement in the spine. A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes through a tear or weakening in the annulus fibrosus, often due to age-related degeneration or sudden trauma. This can lead to compression of the surrounding nerve roots, causing pain, numbness, and other neurological symptoms.
• Describe the common symptoms and diagnostic methods associated with a herniated disc.
  • Symptoms of a herniated disc can include localized back or neck pain, radiating pain into the extremities (known as sciatica), numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. The specific symptoms depend on the location of the herniated disc and which nerves are affected. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, review of medical history, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to visualize the structure of the spine and identify the herniated disc. These diagnostic methods help determine the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment.
• Evaluate the various treatment options for a herniated disc and the factors that influence the choice of treatment.
  • The treatment for a herniated disc often begins with conservative, non-surgical approaches, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and epidural steroid injections. These aim to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and manage pain. However, in more severe or persistent cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Factors that influence the choice of treatment include the location and severity of the herniated disc, the presence and severity of neurological symptoms, the patient's overall health, and the response to conservative treatments. Surgical options may include discectomy (removal of the herniated portion of the disc) or spinal fusion to stabilize the affected vertebrae. The goal of any treatment is to alleviate symptoms and prevent further progression or recurrence of the herniated disc.

Related terms

Intervertebral Disc: The cushion-like structures located between the vertebrae in the spine, composed of a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft, gelatinous inner core (nucleus pulposus).

Spinal Cord Compression: The compression or pinching of the spinal cord or its nerve roots, often caused by a herniated disc, bone spurs, or other spinal abnormalities.

Radiculopathy: A condition in which a nerve root is compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the area of the body supplied by that nerve.