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Intervertebral disc protrustion – causes, consequences, treatment

25 kwietnia 2023
Protrusion of intervertebral disc, treatment of disc protrusion, back pain

Intervertebral disc protrusion is a less serious condition than the often confused intervertebral disc herniation, as it does not cause compression of the nerve roots in the spine. People often confuse these two ailments, although they are different from each other. Herniation occurs when the fibrous ring ruptures and then compresses the nerve roots in the spine. However, intervertebral disc protrusion does not cause this compression.

Daily life with intervertebral disc protrusion does not have to be difficult. This condition can be treated and rehabilitated successfully, which improves the quality of life. It can also be prevented by using recognized preventive methods, including taking care of healthy and comfortable sleep. Therefore, it is important to have reliable knowledge on this topic.

Disc protrusion, treatment of intervertebral disc protrusion, lower back pain

What is intervertebral disc protrusion?

Intervertebral disc protrusion is a common condition that affects many people worldwide. Many of us experience daily back pain caused by this disease. In general, intervertebral disc protrusion occurs when one of the intervertebral discs shifts beyond its normal position and, as a result, compresses a nerve or spinal cord.

In the ICD-10 classification, patients with diagnosed intervertebral disc protrusion are most often diagnosed under codes M51.8 or M51.9. However, they revolve around the same thing, namely intervertebral disc diseases, which can occur with damage to the spinal cord as well as damage to the roots of spinal nerves.
 

The main cause of intervertebral disc protrusion is usually damage to intervertebral tissues, such as the increasingly common discopathy or the popularly occurring degenerations of the spine. It often occurs during sudden movements, such as lifting heavy objects or twisting the body in an improper way. Intervertebral disc protrusion can also result from long-term work that requires sitting at a desk or a sedentary lifestyle, which leads to many disorders.
 

Symptoms of intervertebral disc protrusion may vary, but most often there is back pain, tingling or numbness in the extremities, difficulties with maintaining balance, and even various types of damage to the sciatic nerve. Diagnosis of intervertebral disc protrusion usually involves imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), which enable a precise assessment of spinal damage. Sometimes ultrasonography (USG) is helpful, whereas X-ray (RTG) is currently considered less useful.
 

It is worth remembering that prevention is crucial in preventing intervertebral disc protrusion. Therefore, regular physical activity and proper preparation of the workstation at the desk are just some of the many steps that can be taken to prevent this condition. Therefore, it is extremely important to take care of your health and avoid risk factors that lead to the development of intervertebral disc protrusion as well as other spine diseases.

Slipped disc, intervertebral disc protrusion, spinal ligaments

What are the causes of intervertebral disc protrusion?

A spinal disc protrusion is a spinal condition that affects many people worldwide. Although there are many causes of its development, it usually occurs due to damage to intervertebral tissues. The most common causes of spinal disc protrusion are discopathy and the increasingly prevalent degeneration of the spine. It can affect both the cervical spine as well as its other segments such as thoracic, lumbar or sacral.
 

As we have already discussed on our blog, discopathy is a serious disease in which intervertebral disc damage occurs. The cause of this type of disease may be sudden movements or excessive pressure on the spine, but also long-term sitting position work. In the case of discopathy, there is damage to the intervertebral disc, which in turn leads to a loss of flexibility of the spine.
 

On the other hand, degeneration of the spine is an age-related process that leads to gradual wear and tear of intervertebral tissues. During this process, there is a weakening of the muscular system, which in turn leads to less stability of the spine. Over time, there may be a lack of space for nerves and other structures within the spine, which can lead to spinal disc protrusion.
 

Other causes of spinal disc protrusion may include injuries, such as primarily falls or car accidents. In these situations, there is a sudden load on the spine, which in turn can lead to significant damage to intervertebral tissues.
 

It is worth noting that there are also risk factors that increase the likelihood of spinal disc protrusion. These include diseases such as obesity, lack of physical activity, long-term sitting position work, and smoking cigarettes. All of these factors weaken the stability of the spine and affect the condition of intervertebral tissues, which increases the risk of spinal disc protrusion.

Intervertebral disc, protrusion of intervertebral disc, spinal segments

Is surgery the only treatment for intervertebral disc herniation?

Spinal disc protrusion is a serious condition that affects many people worldwide. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, it can cause objectively serious and troublesome symptoms, including primarily back pain, numbness of the limbs, or muscle weakness. One of the invasive methods of treating spinal disc protrusion is surgery. However, is surgical intervention always necessary?
 

In the case of spinal disc protrusion, doctors sometimes decide on surgical removal of the affected disc. This is an effective treatment method that allows to get rid of pain and restore the patient's functionality. Unfortunately, like any surgery, it carries certain risks and also requires a long recovery period. Therefore, before deciding on surgery, it is worth considering alternative treatment methods.

The protrusion of an intervertebral disc can usually be cured without surgical intervention.

One of the treatment methods for spinal disc protrusion is physical therapy and manual therapy. Properly selected exercises and massages can strengthen the back muscles and improve the flexibility of the spine, which can help avoid surgery. Moreover, physiotherapists often use electrostimulation, ultrasound or cryotherapy, which additionally affect the reduction of pain and eliminate inflammation.
 

Another alternative to spine surgery is pharmacological treatment. Medications can help reduce pain and inflammation, which will improve the function of the spine. In the case of serious symptoms, a doctor may also recommend the use of muscle relaxants, which help treat numbness or weakness of the muscles. However, this is a symptomatic treatment and does not affect the causes of this disease.
 

In any case of treating spinal disc protrusion, it is important to have an individual approach to the patient and their needs. The decision to undergo treatment should always be agreed with the appropriate doctor and physiotherapist. This way, you can choose the best treatment method for yourself, which will allow for a quick and effective rehabilitation without the need for risky surgery.
 

Treatment of disc protrusion usually does not have to end with surgical removal of the affected disc. There are various treatment methods based on physical and physical therapy, which help in reducing pain and restoring full functionality of the spine. Therefore, before deciding on surgery, it is worth consulting with a doctor and physiotherapist to choose the best treatment method for yourself.

Protrusion of intervertebral disc, spinal injuries, mattress for spine

How to prevent the development of intervertebral disc protrusion?

Spinal disc protrusion is a condition that affects many people worldwide. It is a disease related to the damage of intervertebral discs, which are located between the bones of the spine. As a result of this damage, the contents of the disc are pushed out beyond the limits of the fibrous ring, which can lead to nerve compression and pain.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the development of this condition. One of the key factors is maintaining proper posture during sitting and walking. It is important to keep a straight spine, avoid slouching and overloading. Properly adjusting your office chair or bed can also help prevent spinal problems.

Another important factor is exercising the back and abdominal muscles. Strong muscles are crucial for maintaining a healthy spine because they help keep it in a proper position. Regular strength exercises, such as squats and push-ups, are a good way to strengthen these muscles.

A proper diet can also have an impact on spinal health. To protect it, you should avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, sugars and salt. Instead, choose healthy sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, and fats. Nuts, avocados, and legumes are great sources of these nutrients, especially the least processed ones.

Of course, regular check-ups with a doctor can also help detect any spinal health problems early. If you experience pain or discomfort, it is worth consulting with a doctor or physiotherapist. This way, you can start treatment in time and avoid serious complications.

We must also not forget about sleep hygiene, especially good body support during sleep. Many people suffer from spinal problems due to poor sleeping position. It is important to sleep on a surface that supports your body. However, this support should not mean sinking into the mattress, which is characteristic of mattresses made of viscoelastic foam, but rather proper contouring of the body. This is what the Osaka Air mattress does, which is characterized by medium hardness, which is the healthiest for the spine.

To prevent spinal disc protrusion, as well as during its treatment and rehabilitation, it is important to have the right pillow for sleep. This should be characterized by the proper height and the right contouring in accordance with the anatomy of the human body. Traditional pillows resembling waves or soap bars, which are produced by cutting them out of blocks, should be avoided as they are not ergonomic.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.

Orthopedic pillow, orthopedic pillows, night ergonomics, sleep hygiene

FAQ: Intervertebral disc protrustion

What are the most common symptoms of intervertebral disc protrusion?

The most common symptom of intervertebral disc protrusion is back pain in the area of the affected disc. The pain can radiate to the arms and legs depending on the location of the condition. Additionally, it can cause numbness or tingling sensations, as well as muscle weakness. However, it's important to note that these symptoms can be attributed to other conditions, not just intervertebral disc protrusion, so it's best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Can a pillow help in treating intervertebral disc protrusion?

Yes, a properly selected pillow can help alleviate pain and muscle tension in the spinal area, which significantly speeds up the healing and rehabilitation process of intervertebral disc protrusion. Orthopedic pillows, especially ergonomic pillows designed for side and back sleeping positions, improve body posture and provide additional support for the spine.

Can intervertebral disc protrusion occur in anyone?

Yes, intervertebral disc protrusion can occur in anyone and is not dependent on gender or age. However, certain risk factors such as physical labor, postural defects, or genetic predispositions increase the likelihood of its occurrence.

What factors contribute to the development of intervertebral disc protrusion?

Factors that contribute to the development of intervertebral disc herniation include spinal injuries, postural defects, heavy physical labor, prolonged sitting at a desk, and genetic traits. Therefore, it's extremely important to maintain proper posture and avoid exposure to risk factors to prevent the onset of the condition.

What materials should be used in mattresses for people with intervertebral disc protrusion?

Mattresses for people with intervertebral disc herniation should be made from materials that provide proper support and relief for the spine. Such individuals should avoid spring mattresses and those with memory foam as the top layer. The best mattresses for them are those made of high-density and firm foam, reinforced with memory foam in the second layer.

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