disc prolapse

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Disc Prolapse

Disc Prolapse

When you have a ‘slipped’ (prolapsed) disc, a disc does not actually slip. A prolapsed (herniated or slipped) disc occurs when the outer fibres of the intervertebral disc are injured, and the soft material known as the nucleus pulposus, ruptures out of its enclosed space.

The bulging disc may press on nearby structures such as a nerve coming from the spinal cord. Some inflammation also develops around the prolapsed part of the disc. Inflammation may irritate a nerve and also causes swelling, which may put pressure on a nerve. Any disc in the spine can prolapse. The size of the prolapse can vary. As a rule, the larger the prolapse, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be.

Causes

  • A job involving lots of lifting
  • Bending forwards places substantial stress on the intervertebral discs. If you bend and attempt to lift an object which is too heavy, this force may cause a disc to rupture.
  • A job involving lots of sitting (especially driving)
  • Weight-bearing sports (weightlifting, etc)
  • Smoking
  • Obesity (Overweight)
  • Increasing age (a disc is more likely to develop a weakness as we become older)

Symptoms

  • In severe cases, loss of control of bladder and/or bowels, numbness in the genital area, and impotence (in men)
  • Numbness, pins and needles, or tingling in one or both arms or legs
  • Pain behind the shoulder blade(s) or in the buttock(s)
  • Pain when walking short distances
  • Pain that worsens at night or with certain movements
  • Pain running down one or both arms or legs
  • Pain that worsens after standing or sitting
  • The location of these symptoms depends upon which nerve(s) has been affected. In other words, the precise location of the symptoms helps determine your diagnosis
  • Weakness involving one or both arms or legs

Differential Diagnosis

  • Discal cyst
  • Mechanical back pain
  • Degenerative spinal stenosis
  • Epidural abscess
  • Epidural hematoma
  • Metastasis
  • Trauma
  • Diabetic amyotrophy
  • Neurinoma
  • Osteophytes
  • Osteomylitis
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Spondylosis
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Cauda equina syndrome
  • Synovial cyst

Here at Nova Health Physiotherapy Clinic, we will evaluate the causes of your pain and dysfunction, develop an individually tailored treatment plan and provide one-on-one treatment to get you to pain free life.

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