Intervertebral discs - shock absorber of the spine

The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers for the spine. They sit between each vertebral body to create a buffer for any force or friction applied to the spinal column, ensuring that there is an even distribution of the pressure.

Each intervertebral disc is made up of a fibrous ring of tissue with a gel-like core. As a natural progression, the intervertebral discs degrades over the lifetime: their height shortens which leads to reduced cushioning effect on the spinal column. The disc tissue can lose its structure and migrate outwards, causing friction against the spinal cord. outwards, with the potential to collide/impact on the spinal cord.

Herniated disc injury: Ruptured, Bulging and Herniated Disc

Herniated disc injuries commonly happen when the back receives a jolt in a car accident or due to excessive physical exercise in improper form. There are varying degrees of injury to an intervertebral disc, from a milder case of a disc protrusion where the tissue just bulges, to a more severe scenario where the gel-like core of the disc exits its structure as a full herniation or prolapse. Herniation of the C6-C7 intervertebral disc is most common, pinching the nerve and causing nerve root pain.

Disc injuries, including disc protrusions or herniations, can go undetected for long time periods as the discs do not produce severe pain themselves. When the herniated disc matter compresses a neighbouring nerve root, intense pain can occur, which can hinder or be aggravated by normal movements.

The lumbar spine, the area of the lower back, more commonly experiences disc herniations, compared to the mid or upper spine. Factors that increase the vulnerability of the disc prolapse include heavy physical activity, poor posture, inactivity and obesity, all increasing the risk of damage to the disc tissue.

Symptoms of a herniated disc

The site of a herniated disc in the spine can often be gauged by where the pain is experienced. If the herniated disc tissue pushes on the lumbar spinal nerves, pain is felt in the low back, versus a cervical disc herniation that will give pain in the neck region.

The symptoms from a herniated disc, however, do not necessarily remain isolated to the site of the injury. In the case of a lumbar disc herniation, for example, the pain can travel down into the legs and toes causing foot pain.

Increased pressure within the spinal column, caused by sneezing, coughing or defecating, can increase the intensity of the pain. Additional symptoms can also occur in the legs, such as tingling or weakness of the leg muscles. If the sufferer has an accident involving their bladder or bowel function, emergency intervention is required. Untreated herniated discs can cause urinary problems,

How do I relieve herniated disc pain at home?

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, along with using a herniated disc heating pad are commonly suggested to enable sufferers to perform the movements required of their daily activities.

Prescribed rehabilitation exercises can be utilised and are recommended from the time that physical movement is virtually pain-free, along with remedial massage using essential oils or hydrotherapy. In the absence of any complications, a typical course of chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment for a herniated disc is completed in six to eight weeks, with rehabilitative exercises to be continued thereafter.

In order to provide support, pain relief and enhance the sufferer’s capabilities during their treatment and rehabilitation period, the use of medical braces and orthoses can be advantageous. Bauerfeind’s extensive range of back supports can be used throughout the rehabilitation process of disc herniation, accommodating to all severity levels. If conservative care for the herniated disc is unsuccessful in improving the condition, surgery is likely to be prescribed.

As with any surgery, intervertebral disc surgery has its risks. Intestinal paralysis, nerve irritation or complications of scarring can be associated with disc surgery. Other more general risks of wound healing complications and thrombosis are also likely.