Intervertebral disc disease is a common problem among modern people. Many people do not understand or even misunderstand it, which affects their life, work and studies. With the advancement of medical technology, intervertebral disc disease is no longer an incurable disease.
To understand intervertebral disc disease, we must first understand the anatomy of the intervertebral disc. The spine is composed of seven cervical vertebrae, twelve thoracic vertebrae, five lumbar vertebrae, sacral vertebrae and tail vertebrae . Between every two vertebrae is an intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc is composed of fibrous outer ring and colloid core.
Intervertebral discs and vertebrae can protect the spinal nerves together. The function of the intervertebral disc is to provide cushioning for the vertebrae and at the same time allow the vertebrae to move appropriately. When the spine is subjected to external forces such as poor posture, repeated trauma, and sports injuries, the core glial changes and even deforms, squeezing the spinal nerves. The result of this entire process is intervertebral disc disease. Disease can occur in any intervertebral disc, but due to gravity and human body structure, it is most likely to occur between the lumbosacral and cervical vertebrae.
Intervertebral disc disease is more likely to occur when lifting heavy objects, especially with poor posture, and is often caused in an instant. Once intervertebral disc disease or even bulge occurs, there will be obvious lower back pain and even symptoms of soreness, numbness, pain and weakness in the lower limbs. More severe cases may even cause difficulty in defecation and defecation.
A straight leg raise test can be done in the outpatient clinic. The patient lies flat and relaxes the body. The examiner then lifts one of the legs straight. If lower back pain occurs or the pain extends to the lower limbs, a preliminary diagnosis of intervertebral disc disease or bulge. The smaller the lifting angle, the more severe the disc disease or bulge.
Lumbar intervertebral disc disease or bulge most often occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, and between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra. It accounts for more than 80% of lumbar and sacral intervertebral disc diseases, and mainly affects the lower legs and feet.
Ordinary X-rays cannot accurately diagnose intervertebral disc disease and herniation. Spinal photography, computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can confirm the diagnosis. Among them, MRI can not only correctly diagnose intervertebral disc diseases and bulges, but also further understand the extent of injuries.
The treatment of lumbar disc disease depends entirely on the severity of the condition. Based on the clinical symptoms, neuroelectrophysiological data, and objective imaging evidence such as MRI, we can comprehensively interpret and understand the disease, and then provide appropriate treatment. Treatment methods mainly include rest, medication, rehabilitation and surgery, and can be used to treat different degrees of lumbar disc disease.
Some people think that both intervertebral disc disease and bulging require surgery, but this is not the case. More than 90% of patients with lumbar disc herniation do not need surgery. As long as they have adequate rest, timely medication and reasonable rehabilitation, most of their symptoms can be relieved.
