The protrusión O protrusion disc is a common form of impaired spine and can be associated with wear conditions in the spinal region. Describes a condition in which damage to the disc causes it to protrude. Causing pain and discomfort.
In the case of a prolapse or protrusion, the nucleus of the disc remains within the annulus without causing rupture.. Nevertheless, when the ring breaks and exposes the nucleus we are in the presence of a herniated disc.
Disc protrusion can occur along the entire length of the spine from the neck to the lower back..
Disc protrusion can occur in the neck (cervical spine), back of the thorax (thoracic spine) or lower back (lumbar spine).
A disc protrusion, can put pressure on or irritate the nerve that exits the spine. Causing back pain, spasms, cramps, numbness, pins and needles or pain in the legs. Next, we will see the causes, the symptoms, frequent diagnosis and treatments.
Index
What causes a bulging disc?
When a bulging disc or disc protrusion occurs, This is usually due to a pre-existing weakness in the annulus or due to a sudden increase in pressure across the disc causing the fibers of the annulus to rupture.
- Bad posture that stresses the spine
- Overstretching and weakness of the posterior fibrocartilage of the spinal discs
- Traumatic situations like a car accident
- Incorrect weight lifting
- Genetic predisposition
- Spondylosis
- Aging
- Obesity
Disc protrusion symptoms
This type of injury is suspected, when back pain worsens in cases like: sit, cough or sneeze, bend forward and stand up. Alteration of bladder and bowel function, may be more serious symptoms of a bulging disc.
According to the position of the protrusion within the spine, symptoms may vary. Here we explain, in three separate areas, the most common manifestations of a disc protrusion.
Cervical region (neck)
In this area, pain can be felt in the neck, but it can also radiate to the arms, shoulders and even hands and fingers. What's more, a needle-prick sensation may occur. Another symptom includes muscle weakness in the upper extremities..
Thoracic region (middle back)
A disc protrusion is not very common in this region; Nevertheless, when it can compress nearby nerve roots or even the spinal cord. Spinal cord compression can lead to much more serious symptoms, What paraplejia and incontinence.
Nevertheless, Nerve root compression can cause a variety of symptoms similar to those of sciatica. This can include; torso pain, pain in the lower extremities, pins and needles and numbness in the legs, feet and toes.
Lumbar region (lower back)
Symptoms in this region can cause lower back pain, but most of the time, pain radiates from the back to the legs and is felt in the buttocks, legs and feet.
Stinging and numbness can also be felt through the entire lower limb. Leg pain is often more severe than back pain and can be worse when sitting for long periods of time, or during long walks.
How is a bulging disc diagnosed?
Conventional diagnosis is generally inaccurate. This is based on pain distribution patterns. The specialist can use X-rays, IRM, TAC, Dexa and EMG. Most patients have multiple potential sources of nerve irritation and even compression.
A correct diagnosis of a bulging disc is based on a detailed medical history and specialists pay close attention to the symptoms., as they play a vital role in diagnosis. The first characteristic to evaluate, is the evolving pattern of pain and the site.
After a detailed study of the symptoms, the most accurate diagnostic tests to confirm the extent of your spinal disc injury are magnetic resonance imaging and CT scans.
Frequent treatments
Treatment during the first period of the disease focuses on the use of medications anti-inflammatory, pain control with common pain relievers and posture correction.
Long-lasting symptoms need more radical treatment, and these can be grouped into three treatment routes; conservative therapy, conventional open surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic surgery of the spine.
Conservative treatment is usually the first step, as symptoms generally improve in most cases within a few weeks. This therapy involves a combination of pain medications, physiotherapy, bed rest and cognitive psychological treatment.
General exercise is an important treatment to successfully prevent a recurrence. Your physical therapist can recommend Pilates, yoga, swimming, hike, hydrotherapy or a gym program to help you in the long term.