Our spine comprises of 33 bones, all of which are known as vertebrae. Overall, there are 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae and 5 lumbar vertebrae. The sacrum consists of 5 vertebrae which are fused together below the 5th lumbar vertebra.
In between the vertebrae are soft cartilages that work like shock assorbers. These cartilages are made up of a soft inner layer known as the nucleus and outer layer known as annulus fibrosus. They are also spinal discs which will degenerate as you and I grow older.
Degeneration occurs due to an injury causing the soft inner layer to herniate out of tough outer layer. This condition is known as herniated disc which can cause immense pain, numbness and extreme weakening of the lower back and limbs. Generally, it happens between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae as well as the spine’s cervical region.
If aging is the primary reason, it is called degenerative disc disease. As a person starts to grow older, the elasticity and amount of water present in the nucleus decreases, resulting in herniated disc. This happens to people between ages 30 to 50. Herniated disc can also be caused by carrying heavy objects.
Sometimes, falling or injuring the spine can also cause herniation of the discs. The same goes for frequent smokers and those who are overweight and obsese.
Exactly what the symptons of herniated disc are depend on where the herniation occurs. If it applies pressure on nerves, it can also result in pain and numbness of legs and back. If the same thing happens in the lower portion of the back, it will lead to sciatica radiating to both legs and buttocks.
Other than that, the pain will worsen while you sit, cough or sneeze as all these involve body movements. Should herniation occurs in the upper body, it automatically sends pain to the neck, shoulders and arms.
Other symptions are numbness, weakness, spasms in the muscles and tinglinlg sensation. If not treated immediately, it will worsen your condition of legs, arms and even bowel and bladder hinderance.
There is no definite and immediate cure for this. It all depends on your condition and whether or not the doctor is optimistic on curing you. But getting medication as soon as possible is the best and only solution. So do not feel alarmed and being in despair after reading this article. For I am just stating the facts.
For more information about disc slip and back pains, check out here.