Herniated DiscsHerniated discs are extremely common spinal abnormalities often implicated in causing back, neck or sciatica pain. They occur when the thick outer layer, called the annulus fibrosus, has its symmetry compromised by internal pressure from the jelly center of the disc structure, called the nucleus pulposus.Herniations come in a great variety of types and severities, ranging from mild and completely normal bulges to cases where the structural integrity of the disc is completely lost. Herniations are the most common of all structural issues in the spine blamed for sourcing pain, which is strange, since well documented and objective research clearly shows that most are complete nonissues. Studies show little, if any, correlation between the incidence of herniations and the occurrence of back pain anywhere in the spinal column. It is worth mentioning for those who do not know, that the disc itself feels no pain. It has no internal blood supply or nerves and amounts to little more than a jelly cushion. The way that a disc can produce pain is to influence a neurological structure, such as a spinal nerve or the spinal cord. Despite these facts, one thing is for sure… if you want to really inspire fear in anyone, tell them that they have a herniated intervertebral disc. The words alone are enough to bring some patients to tears and make others tremble to their very core. For detailed information on disc herniations, please visit my Herniated Disc Site on the Cure Back Pain Network.
The following are focused articles each relating to a specific disc-related topic. Use them to expand your understanding of herniations, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment aspects of intervertebral disc pathologies: Herniated Disk Pain Herniated disks are one of medicine's great
back pain scapegoats.
They are found in a large percentage of the population, but only some people experience painful symptoms. Many people have one or more herniated disks in their backs and do not even know it. Read more about the obvious and less obvious causes of herniations. Understanding that most disc issues may have been there long before they are perceived to occur is vital for the recovery of affected patients. Types of Herniated DiscsA disc can bulge in several different possible ways. The way that it chooses to bulge will definitely play a major role in the scope and severity of symptoms it may create.A disc will usually bulge posteriorly (towards the back), inwards towards the
spinal cord.
The disc can bulge directly in the middle, or more commonly, to one side or the other. Herniated Disc NamesThe following are some of the many possible terminologies used to describe different types of herniations. This diversity of diagnostic terms can be incredibly confusing for any patient!
Add to this list the variety of descriptive and location-specific names used to detail herniated discs and you will really be totally lost! These terms include central, paracentral, median, medial, paramedian, paramedial, posterolateral, lateral, far lateral, foraminal, extraforaminal., focal, broad based, diffuse, sequestered and more. The normal function of the intervertebral disc is to connect the individual vertebra in the spine, as well as act as a soft cushion in between the bones. It is like a natural shock absorber for the body. When this protective layer becomes damaged, there is a chance that the person might experience pain or other related symptoms. Discs also facilitate flexibility in the spinal column, creating the marvelous range of motion that we, as humans, enjoy. Sometimes, a disc might develop an annular tear (a hole in the outer wall) and leak interior proteins from the nucleus. This process, called
chemical radiculitis,
is thought to produce nerve irritation is some patients, although the diagnosis remains controversial since most patients with known nucleus leakage are not affected by radicular irritation. It seems likely that only some people have particularly sensitized tissues to this specific protein, called tumor necrosis factor-alpha. I know a lot about Injured Discs...
My disc pain journey began with 2 known herniations at L4/L5 and L5/S1. With time, age and many injuries, I was diagnosed (at last count) with a total of 12 herniated discs, including every one from C2 down to T5! |
Herniated Discs to Back Pain 5/19/06 Revised 2/14/12
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