What is a Herniated Disc?

What is a Herniated Disc and How Does It Occur?

A herniated disc occurs when the discs between the lumbar vertebrae weaken and compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. The gelatinous substance on the inside of the discs can pierce the outer layer and affect the nerves.

This condition can usually occur as a result of sudden weight lifting, wrong movements, obesity, aging or genetic factors.

What are the Main Causes of Lumbar Herniation?

A herniated disc is a disorder that occurs when the outer layer of the discs between the vertebrae in the lower part of the spine weakens, putting pressure on the nerves coming out of the spinal cord. The main causes of herniated discs include factors such as genetic predisposition, aging process, irregular and excessive sports, heavy lifting, obesity, wrong postures and smoking.

These reasons increase the risk of herniated disc and may increase the likelihood of low back pain and other herniated disc symptoms.

In Whom Is Lumbar Disc Herniation More Common?

Although herniated disc usually occurs in old age, it can also be seen in young people. In particular, the following risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing a herniated disc:

• Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of herniated disc by increasing the load on the spine.
• Continuous heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects, especially with wrong techniques, can cause strain on the spinal discs.
• Continuous sitting work: The possibility of a herniated disc may increase in individuals who work sitting for long periods of time, such as office workers.
• Athletes: High-impact sports or repetitive movements in the same direction can strain the spinal discs and increase the risk of a herniated disc.
• Familial predisposition: Genetic factors from the family may increase the likelihood of developing a herniated disc.
• A herniated disc may occur more frequently in individuals with one or more of the risk factors mentioned above. Therefore, avoiding or reducing these risk factors may reduce the risk of developing a herniated disc.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc and how to understand it?

Symptoms of a herniated disc include low back pain, leg pain, numbness and weakness in the legs, increased pain when coughing or sneezing, and pain that increases with body movements. These symptoms may indicate the presence of a herniated disc and a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis.

What Tests Are Performed to Diagnose Lumbar Disc Herniation?

Before diagnosing a herniated disc, doctors listen to the patient's story in detail and perform a physical examination. In addition, patients complaining of low back pain are often referred to radiological imaging methods. The main tests that can be performed to diagnose a herniated disc are:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which is considered the most reliable imaging method in the diagnosis of herniated disc, allows detailed examination of the spine. Any problems with the disk can be easily detected.
• Computerized Tomography (CT): Another imaging method used as an alternative to MRI in the diagnosis of herniated disc is Computerized Tomography. A CT scan helps obtain cross-sectional images of the spine and identify disc problems.
• X-Ray (X-Ray): X-Ray is generally the first preferred imaging method to determine the causes of low back pain and deformations in the lumbar spine. However, it may not be enough to detect disk problems.
• Electromyography (EMG): Electromyography, a test performed to measure muscle and nerve activities in patients with suspected herniated disc, can help detect nerve compression and nerve damage. Based on the results of these tests, doctors diagnose a herniated disc and create treatment plans. It is important for patients suffering from back pain to get the necessary tests and get the correct diagnosis by getting help from a specialist doctor.

Suggestions to Make Life Easier for Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation

Symptoms of a herniated disc include lower back pain, pain in the legs, numbness and weakness, increased pain while standing or sitting, and increased pain as a result of coughing or sneezing. These symptoms may increase, especially in the morning and after sitting or standing for long periods of time. To diagnose a herniated disc, the doctor usually performs a physical examination and evaluates the patient's symptoms.

Recommendations that make life easier for patients with a herniated disc during the treatment process include measures such as regular exercise, weight control, using correct posture and movement techniques, and taking breaks at regular intervals. Following these recommendations can improve the quality of life and reduce the pain of patients with a herniated disc.

Is a Herniated Disc Painful?

A herniated disc can be described as a very painful disorder, especially since it affects the muscles, nerves and tissues in the waist area. Correct diagnosis is very important for herniated disc.

A herniated disc can be a painful condition and can progress if left untreated. Left untreated, it can cause more serious problems and negatively impact a person's quality of life. Therefore, if complaints of a herniated disc begin, a specialist doctor should be consulted and the necessary treatment process should be initiated.

What Happens If a Herniated Disc Is Not Treated?

If a herniated disc is left untreated, nerves may be permanently damaged and serious complications may occur. In this case, surgery may be required and the quality of life of patients with a herniated disc may decrease significantly. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor immediately when symptoms appear. The most effective ways to prevent a herniated disc include exercising regularly, practicing correct posture and lifting techniques, adopting a healthy lifestyle and receiving physical therapy regularly. Physical therapy plays an important role in treating a herniated disc and can help patients reduce pain, increase flexibility, and improve endurance.