Herniated disc

A slipped disc is usually the result of a relatively normal aging process of the spine. This can take different forms: gradual - that is, the disc gradually becomes flatter and loses its resilience - or more sudden. In this case, the aging of the spine manifests itself in a herniated disc. Tears occur in the ring of the disc, causing the core of the disc to bulge and protrude from the ring.

The typical age for a herniated disc is between the early 30s and mid-40s, during which time the nucleus of the disc is still elastic enough to squeeze through tears in the ring. Typical risk factors are lack of exercise and being overweight.

Symptoms of a herniated disc

A herniated disc does not always necessarily cause pain. However, it becomes particularly unpleasant when the herniated disc presses on a nerve and this becomes inflamed. This inflammation of the nerve root leads to severe pain. Sensory disturbances and even paralysis are also possible. The symptoms also depend on where the herniated disc is located. If the cervical spine is affected, the pain may radiate into the arms, or there may be symptoms of loss of sensation or paralysis.

In the thoracic spine, a herniated disc is very rare and manifests as back pain, usually on the affected spinal segment. In the lumbar spine, severe pain may occur in the lower back, sometimes radiating into the legs. Sensory disturbances up to paralysis are also possible in this area. It is particularly unpleasant for patients when the sciatic nerve is affected by a herniated disc and the pain extends from the buttocks over the back of the thigh to the foot.

Diagnosis of herniated disc - what now?

In a detailed anamnesis as well as on the basis of a physical and neurological examination, the pain is localized and the trigger is determined. Using palpation, tapping and pressure examinations in the area of the spine and back muscles, the back specialist checks, for example, whether there are any abnormalities or pain points. He also tests the range of motion of the spine.

The intensity of the pain and its localization usually already give the specialist an indication of the location of the herniated disc in the spine. If this is not clear, imaging procedures such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can make a herniated disc visible. In addition, the images show the extent and in which direction the herniated disc has occurred.

Therapy: This is how a herniated disc is treated

In the case of pain or mild muscle weakness, conservative treatment of the herniated disc is usually sufficient - for example, through medication, physiotherapy or injection therapy. In the case of more severe symptoms, for example if the disc presses directly on the spinal cord or severe paralysis occurs, surgery is necessary. At the Hellersen Sports Clinic, herniated discs are operated on microsurgically and minimally invasively. The affected disc is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord nerves that are constricted by the herniated disc.

In some cases, the worn disc is also replaced with a prosthesis. On the one hand, the implant maintains the distance between the vertebrae and the mobility of the spine, and on the other hand, it relieves the pain.

Can sport prevent a slipped disc?

Well-trained back muscles serve as support for the spine and can prevent back pain. The focus is on training thestrength to build up the trunk muscles. Gentle sports such as cycling and rowing are recommended. Rowing involves primarily back-and-forth movements that achieve an all-around workout without provoking stressful rotation and leverage on the intervertebral discs. Exercising twice a week is sufficient to avoid too much strain.

A good and trained back musculature does not directly prevent a herniated disc, but can compensate for the symptoms. The bottom line: significantly less back pain, since most complaints are due to instability problems.

And this also applies if a herniated disc is already present. Once the contact with the nerve has healed, it is crucial to restore support to the back to stop the instability from progressing. Therefore, trunk muscle strengthening training should be started after the acute phase.