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Trustwell Hospitals – Best Hospital in Bengaluru

Herniated Disc (Slipped, Ruptured or Bulging Disk)

The bones (vertebrae) that form the spine in the back are cushioned by discs. Located between each of the vertebra in the spinal column, discs act as shock absorbers for the spinal bones. The discs are round, like small pillows, with a tough, outer layer that surrounds the nucleus.

A herniated disk is also known as a slipped, ruptured or bulging disk. It’s one of the most common causes of neck, back and leg pain. Most of the time, herniated disks heal on their own or with simple home-care measures. Discs that become herniated usually are in an early stage of degeneration.

What is a herniated disk?

A herniated disk is an injury of the spine. Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. Herniated discs are more common in the lower back (lumbar spine), but also occur in the neck (cervical spine). The area in which pain is experienced depends on what part of the spine is affected.

Who gets herniated disks?

People who are in the range of 30 to 50 years are most likely to get a herniated disk. The problem affects men twice as often as women. Other risk factors include:

  • Sitting for long periods in the same position.
  • Being overweight.
  • Lifting heavy objects.
  • Repetitive bending or twisting motions for work, sports or hobbies.
  • Smoking.

People who are in the range of 30 to 50 years are most likely to get a herniated disk. The problem affects men twice as often as women. Other risk factors include:
Sitting for long periods in the same position.
Being overweight.
Lifting heavy objects.
Repetitive bending or twisting motions for work, sports or hobbies.
Smoking.

What causes a herniated disk?

Normally, excessive strain or injury may cause a herniated disc. Nevertheless, disc material degenerates naturally as one age, and the ligaments that hold it in place begin to weaken. A herniated disk happens when the inner “jelly” substance pushes through the crack. The leaked material may press on nearby spinal nerves.

Certain individuals may be more vulnerable to disc problems and, as a result, may suffer herniated discs in several places along the spine. Research has shown that a predisposition for herniated discs may exist in families with several members affected. Several factors can contribute to a disk rupture, including:

  • Ageing.
  • Excessive weight.
  • Repetitive motions.
  • Sudden strain from improper lifting or twisting.

How is a herniated disk diagnosed?

When you visit the Best Center for Neurosciences in Bangalore, you may be suggested to undergo a thorough examination. During the physical examination, your provider will assess your pain, muscle reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength. After examination, you may be advised to undergo other tests such as:

  • X-rays: X-rays of the spine may be performed to evaluate any area of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, or coccygeal). Getting X-rays helps rule out other causes of back or neck pain.
  • Computed tomography (CT): A CT scan show the bones of your spine. CT scanning is fast, painless, noninvasive and accurate. In emergency cases, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives. Herniated disks can move into the space around your spinal cord and nerves and press on them.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scan creates detailed pictures of your spine. It can pick up most injuries that you have had in your spine or changes that happen with aging. Even small problems or changes that are not the cause of your current back pain are picked up. The most common and accurate imaging test for a suspected herniated disk is an MRI.
  • Myelogram: A myelogram can show your spinal cord, spinal nerves, nerve roots, and bones in the spine by injecting contrast into your spinal fluid. As a result, it will also reveal whether anything is pressing against your spinal cord or nerves.
  • Electromyogram (EMG): Electromyography (EMG) is a minimally invasive procedure to evaluate the electrical activity of the nerve roots in your spine. This type of test can pinpoint areas of nerve compression or nerve damage (neuropathy) that result from chronic inflammation and spinal conditions (for e.g. Arthritis. Sciatica).. An EMG helps determine which nerve a herniated disk affects.

 

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