The vertebral column is also called the spinal column is comprised of 33 bones. Each vertebrae is detached from the adjacent vertebrae by an intervertebral disc a, along with ligaments and the facet joints, which help each vertebrae to maintain the spine’s normal alignment and curve meanwhile also facilitating movement
In the middle of the spinal column there is an open carrier called the spinal canal. The spinal cord and the spinal nerves rests in the spinal canal, where they bath in the spinal fluid sheltered in the small spinal column
Herniated disc
A herniated disc happens when the fibrous outer part of the disc ruptures or is torn and the jelly like inner material is forced out. When the herniated disc exerts pressure consequently it gives rise to a pinched nerve condition that cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the arms and legs. The inner squeezed substance in addition to pinching the nerve also give rise to inflammation and severe pain
Bulging disc
A bulging disc happens when the outer protective layer of the disc is depleted, but isn’t torn and pinches outwards. A herniated disc may evidently start as a bulging disc, eventually the outer wall is then torn by a potential amount of pressure
Disc herniation can arise in the cervical, thoracic and lower spine. The spot of pain is contingent to the location of the herniated disc. If the herniation arises in the cervical area, it can cause pain that spreads into the shoulder and the arm, it it arises in the lower back, the pain generated can spread into the hips and legs.
Hallmarks
A cervical herniated disc may cause pressure on the cervical nerves and can give rise to triggers like pain, pins and needle sensation, numbness or weakness in the shoulder, neck and arm. A potential disc herniation in the cervical spine may pinch the spinal cord within the spinal canal and cause numbness, stiffness and immobility in the legs and conceivably some complications in bowel and bladder control
A thoracic disc herniation may give rise to severe pain in the back, if the disc herniation travels through the forearm. The pain and the numbness may spread near the rib cage from the back to the front of the chest and the upper abdomen.
A lower herniated disc may cause the following symptoms;
- Intermittent or continuous back pain
- Spasm of the back muscles
- Sciatica
- Muscle weakness in the legs
- Numbness in the leg or foot
- Decreased reflexes at the knee or ankle
- Changes in bladder or bowel function
- Difficulty walking
The symptoms of the disc disease may mask other medical conditions and medical problems. You must consult a physician for a complete diagnosis