Gurupatham Spine Care Centre
is an ISO Certified Organization
A spinal disk is a little like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tougher exterior. Sometimes called a slipped disk or a ruptured disk, a herniated disk occurs when some of the softer "jelly" pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior. So a slipped disc occurs when the outer walls of the intervertebral disc are torn. Other terms for this condition are herniated disc, prolapsed disc, or ruptured disc. When outer annular rings are torn the central gel-like nucleus pulposus can push out and place pressure on the other structures in the area. The slipped disc usually occurs at the posterior lateral wall where the annulus fibrosis is thinnest. Unfortunately this is where the nerves of the spine exit and track distally into the body. The larger the tear, and the further the nucleus pushes out into the surrounding area, the more severe the symptoms. Commonly the majority of slipped discs occur in the lumbar spine, at levels L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1 and in Cervical spine C4-C5, C5-C6, C6-C7. A slipped disc in the lumbar spine can affect the sciatic nerve, creating a condition called sciatica.
The bones (vertebrae) that form the cervical spine are cushioned by round, flat discs. These discs are located between each pair of vertebra in the spine except for those at the first and second cervical level (called atlas and axis).When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. If they become damaged, they may bulge abnormally or break open (rupture), in what is called a herniated or slipped disc. It usually develops in the 30 to 50 year old age group. A cervical herniated disc may originate from some sort of trauma or neck injury, the symptoms commonly start spontaneously. Cervical disc prolapse usually occurs in C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7 levels.
Vertebral subluxation is a major reason for Cervical Disc Herniation. A herniated disc may result from injuries to the spine, which may cause tiny tears or cracks in the outer layer (annulus or capsule) of the disc. The jelly-like material (nucleus) inside the disc may be forced out through the tears or cracks in the capsule, which causes the disc to bulge, break open (rupture), or break into fragments. The discs in the cervical spine are not very large. There is also less space available for the nerves. This means that even a small cervical disc herniation may impinge on the nerve and cause significant pain.
Degeneration, arthritic changes, or general wear and tear over time
Genetics - Herniated disc also can run in families
Sudden fall or trauma, like a motor vehicle accident, can result in facet joint irritation, inducing wear and tear on joints and disc.
Repetitive stress injuries, like lifting or carrying heavy loads.
Sports Injuries.
Wrong sitting postures at Work place.
Frequent two wheeler riding.
Overuse of cell phones in wrong posture.
Pain that radiates down your arm and possibly into your hand.
Pain on or near your shoulder blade
Neck pain when turning your head or bending your neck.
Muscle spasms, Tenderness, Swelling, Muscle weakness.
C4-C5 (C5 nerve root): A herniation at this level can cause shoulder pain and weakness in the deltoid muscle at the top of the upper arm, and does not usually cause numbness or tingling.
C5-C6 (C6 nerve root): A C5-C6 disc herniation can cause weakness in the biceps (muscles in the front of the upper arms) and wrist extensor muscles. Numbness and tingling along with pain can radiate to the thumb side of the hand. This is one of the most common levels for a cervical disc herniation to occur.
C6-C7 (C7 nerve root): A herniated disc in this area can cause weakness in the triceps (muscles in the back of the upper arm and extending to the forearm) and the finger extensor muscles. Numbness and tingling along with pain can radiate down the triceps and into the middle finger. This level is also one of the most common areas for a cervical disc herniation.
C7-T1 (C8 nerve root): This level is located at the very bottom of the neck, where the cervical spine meets the thoracic, or upper, back. A herniation here can cause weakness with handgrip, along with numbness and tingling and pain that radiates down the arm to the little finger side of hand.
The lower spine is composed of disc-like structures that are cushioned by soft gel-like sections in between them series of outer fibrous rings (annulus fibrosis) surrounding a gelatinous center (nucleus pulposus). The outer annular rings are thinnest posterior and lateral; most disc bulges occur at this location due to the weakness of the disc wall. The purpose of these sections is to promote flexibility and absorb the load of stress applied to the vertebra. Degeneration of these areas causes a loss of elasticity and a propensity to be torn or damaged, may lead to a condition called disc prolapse/disc herniation or slipped disc. The lumbar levels with the highest rate of disc degeneration and bulging are the fourth and fifth (L4-L5), and lumbar fifth and sacrum (L5-S1) levels. Vertebral subluxation is a major reason for Lumbar Disc Herniation.
Lumbar herniated discs are a widespread medical problem, most often affecting people age 30 to 50. Due to aging and general wear and tear, the discs lose some of the fluid that makes them pliable and spongy. As a result, the discs tend to become flatter and harder. This process is known as disc degeneration. When pressure or stress is placed on the spine, the disc’s outer ring may bulge, crack, or tear.
Age - The most common risk factor is being between the ages of 30 and 50.
Jobs that require heavy lifting and other physical labor have been linked to a greater risk of developing a lumbar herniated disc. Pulling, pushing, and twisting actions can add to risk if they’re done repeatedly.
Excess weight makes one more likely to experience a lumbar herniated disc and 12 times more likely to have the same disc herniate again, called a recurrent disc herniation.
Certain lifestyle habits affect the integrity of bones. Smoking, for example, decreases the amount of water in your discs, which are needed to absorb impact.
Road Traffic Accidents.
Repetitive stress injuries, like lifting or carrying heavy loads.
Sports Injuries.
Wrong sitting postures at Work place.
Frequent two wheeler riding.
Leg pain - If the pain radiates along the path of the large sciatic nerve in the back of the leg, it is referred to as sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy.
Nerve pain in the leg, with the pain being described as searing, sharp, electric, radiating, or piercing.
Numbness, a pins-and-needles feeling, weakness and tingling may be experienced in the leg, foot and toes.
Foot drop - difficulty lifting the foot when walking or standing on the ball of the foot, a condition known as foot drop.
Lower back pain - The low back pain may be described as dull or throbbing, and may be accompanied by stiffness.
Pain that worsens with movement. Pain may follow prolonged standing or sitting, or after walking even a short distance. A laugh, sneeze, or other sudden action may also intensify the pain.
L3 or L4 impingement - Pain from an L3 or L4 impingement usually radiates to the quadriceps femoris muscle at the front of the thigh
L5 nerve impingement (at the L4-L5 level) from a herniated disc can cause symptoms such as weakness in extending the big toe and potentially in the ankle, which leads to difficulty with the heel-to-toe motion in walking.Numbness and pain may be felt on top of the foot, and the pain may also radiate into the buttock.
S1 nerve impingement (at the L5-S1 level) - Loss of the ankle reflex and/or weakness that makes it difficult for patients to stand on their toes or on the ball of the foot. Numbness and/or pain can radiate along the outside of the calf, down to the sole or outside of the foot and the toes.