HERNIATED DISC

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When the outer fibres of the intervertebral disc are injured and the soft material, known as nucleus pulposus, ruptures out of its enclosed place, it is known as a prolapsed or a herniated disc.

The ruptured disc can enter the spinal canal, squashing the spinal cord but more frequently the spinal nerves, as a result.

This condition rarely occurs in children and is mostly common in young and middle-aged adults. A herniation may develop suddenly or gradually over weeks or months.


CAUSES

  1. Falling from a significant height and landing on your buttocks. This in turn can transmit significant force across the spine, if it is strong enough, you may suffer a fracture in either a vertebrae or can rupture an intervertebral disc.

  2. Bending forward can place substantial stress on the intervertebral discs. If you attempt to lift an object which is too heavy while you are bending, it may cause a disc to rupture.

  3. Intervertebral discs can also rupture as a result of repetitive minor injuries which build up over time. This damage may occur with ageing, hereditary factors, work-or recreation-related activities.

  4. There are often no obvious reasons why such a process should have occurred.


MAIN SYMPTOMS

  1. In severe cases, loss of bladder and/or bowel control, numbness in genital area and impotence (in men)

  2. Numbness to pins and needles or tingling in one or both arms or legs

  3. Pain behind the shoulder blade(s) or in the buttock(s)

  4. Pain running down one or both arms and legs

  5. Weakness involving one or both arms or legs.

The location of these symptoms depends upon which nerve(s)has been affected. In other words , the precise location of the symptoms will help determine your diagnosis. 


TREATMENT

At least 80 or 90% of disc prolapses settle by themselves and their symptoms are almost non-existent. Typically this process can take up to 6-8 weeks but it may vary.


Neurosurgeons or spinal surgeons will provide you with a treatment program based on your particular situation and this will be reviewed periodically.





A senior neurosurgeon of international repute with excellent management skills and one of the Best Neurosurgeons in Kolkata, Dr. Kaushik Sil has over 16 years of experience in treating complex Brain and Spine problems like brain tumours, spinal disc prolapse, brain stroke, subdural hematoma, spinal deformity with a special interest in childhood neurosurgical problems like hydrocephalus and spinal birth defects. His simple guidance and high success in treatment rates is immaculate.

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