Spinal disc herniation

Spinal Disc Herniation

Spinal disc herniation, also known as a slipped disc or disc prolapse (pronunciation: /ˈspaɪnəl dɪsk hɜːrˈneɪʃən/), is a medical condition affecting the spine due to trauma, lifting injuries, or idiopathic causes.

Etymology

The term "herniation" comes from the Latin word "hernia", which means "a rupture", and "disc" is derived from the Latin "discus" meaning "a circular plate". The term "spinal disc herniation" therefore refers to the rupture of the circular plate in the spine.

Definition

Spinal disc herniation is a condition where the intervertebral disc bulges or ruptures, often resulting in pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord. This can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the areas of the body served by those nerves.

Symptoms

Symptoms of spinal disc herniation can vary depending on the location and severity of the herniation. They may include:

Back pain
Sciatica - pain radiating down the leg
Numbness or tingling in the limbs
Muscle weakness
Loss of bowel or bladder control in severe cases

Causes

The most common causes of spinal disc herniation include:

Aging - As we age, our intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock-absorbing characteristics.
Trauma - A traumatic event such as a fall or a blow to the back can cause a herniated disc.
Genetics - Some people inherit a predisposition to developing a herniated disc.

Treatment

Treatment for spinal disc herniation can range from conservative methods to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the symptoms. These may include: