ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Herniated discs

What is Herniated discs?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

It is a pathology in which one of the discs between the spinal vertebrae pops out of place and exerts pressure on the nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain, inflammation, and numbness of the extremities.

Signs and symptoms Herniated discs

Most herniated discs are lumbar (in the lower back), but they can also be cervical (in the neck). The intensity of the symptoms depends on the affected disc and the nerves that it presses.

  • Pain and lack of strength in upper and lower extremities. 
  • Numbness.
  • Tingling. 

Potential causes and risks:

Most of the cases are caused by aging and natural wear and tear of the vertebral discs. However, there are certain factors that directly affect the development of this condition, such as:

  • Be in static positions for a long time. 
  • Frequently bend your lower back.
  • Lifting heavy objects.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Genetic predisposition.
  • Overweight and obesity.
  • Smoking.

Diagnosis and treatment Herniated discs

The orthopedist will assess your case through a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, he or she will also request the necessary imaging studies for an accurate diagnosis, such as x-rays, MRI, computed tomography, electromyography, or myelography, to identify damaged discs and the severity of the injury. 

He or she will recommend rest and physical therapy, in addition to taking painkillers and anti-inflammatories. If conservative therapy does not work and the pain does not lessen, your orthopedist will probably inject you with steroids or order surgery to correct the problem.

At the Orthopedics and Traumatology Center we seek to improve the lives of patients restricted or immobilized by musculoskeletal disorders or injuries. We specialize in the care of the locomotor system by integrating the latest medical, biological, and technological advances, in strict adherence to the highest international standards of patient care.

We put our skills and knowledge at your service to provide you and your loved ones with cutting-edge treatments and highly specialized medical care in the following procedures:

  • Arthroscopic surgery.
  • Partial and total joint replacement surgery (prostheses).
  • Trauma surgery.
  • Hand surgery. 
  • Foot and ankle surgery.
  • Spinal surgery.

We treat injuries such as:

  • Dislocation.
  • Chronic bone and joint diseases.
  • Ligaments.
  • Spinal diseases.
  • Joint replacements.

Fuentes:

  • mayoclinic.org.
  • neurofuncional.mx
  • cun.es
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Reyes-Sánchez A, García-Ramos CL, Deras-Barrientos CM, et al. Ligamento amarillo en estenosis lumbar espinal, hernia de disco y espondilolistesis degenerativa. Una descripción histopatológica. Acta Ortop Mex. 2019;33(5):308-313. doi:10.35366/91501. 
  • Taylor-Martínez MA, Muñoz-Romero I, de Leo-Vargas R. Siringomielia secundaria a hernia de disco cervical. Rev Med MD. 2019;10.11(1):50-50.
  • Garcia RE, Ruiz AM, Brindis MLG, et al. Electroestimulación y ejercicios de Williams en el tratamiento de la hernia de disco lumbar . Rev Mex Neuroci. 2018;19(4):16-24.
  • Ovando-Sanders E, Urias-Valdez DP, Rendón-Félix J, et al. ¿Dónde estamos y a dónde vamos? Nuevas estrategias integrales en el manejo de hernia de disco. Rev Mex Neuroci. 2017;18(5):54-63.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.