Dorsal hernia of the disc: what is it, the classification and characteristics of the treatment

Pain in the spine is known to many people, not by hearsay. Especially often, discomfort occurs when the body tilts, flexing. Pathologies of the vertebral column are more affected by people engaged in heavy physical labor, as well as performing monotonous movements for a long time (at the factory, a garment factory). The disease that is common among men and women is the dorsal disc hernia. What it is? In most cases, people with a middle and old age experience this type of diagnosis. Nevertheless, when performing heavy physical work, the dorsal hernia of the intervertebral disc can develop in young people. Treatment of this disease is very important to start immediately, as soon as the first signs appeared. In some cases, surgery is necessary.

Dorsal hernia of the disc - what is it?

The vertebral column is a skeleton skeleton, consisting of 33 (sometimes - 34) articulated structures. They are attached to the ribs, bones of the pelvis and the shoulder girdle. All vertebrae are interconnected by means of discs consisting of fibrous tissue and pulpous core. The main function of these joints is depreciation. The fact is that during the execution of any movements (walking, tilting) and lifting weights, the vertebrae converge with each other. If the discs are damaged, bone tissue may also be affected. The displacement of articulations causes pain syndrome due to compression of the nervous structures. One of the most common diseases is the dorsal hernia of the disc. "What is it?" - ask patients who are diagnosed with this diagnosis. This pathology develops when the fibrous tissue breaks, due to which a disc is formed. As a result, the joint changes its shape, that is, it protrudes forward (shifts). As a result, the disc tissue enters the area of the intervertebral canal. For this reason, compression of the nerve structures occurs. If there is a pronounced displacement of the joints, the bone tissue can come into contact and be damaged.

Causes of a herniated intervertebral disc

To understand what a dorsal hernia of the intervertebral disc is, you need to know the reasons for its occurrence. Disease, against which often develops a rupture of the fibrous articulation ring, is osteochondrosis. There are following causes of intervertebral hernia :

1. Excessive strain on the back.
2. Injuries of the spine.
3. Excess body weight.
4. Pathologies of muscle tissue, in which there is a decrease in the tone of skeletal muscle.
5. Endocrine diseases.
6. Bad habits. To a greater extent this applies to smoking.
7. Degenerative diseases, in which the destruction of bone tissue. They include such pathologies as tuberculosis and syphilis.
8. Systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, SLE).

Most often, the hernia develops due to a combination of damaging factors and bone structure disorders. Virtually all patients with this disease suffer from osteochondrosis for a long time.

Classification of dorsal disc herniation

Most often it is the dorsal hernia of the disc. What is it and what is its difference? The term "dorsal" means that the hernial protrusion is directed from behind, that is, toward the vertebral canal. In this place is the spinal cord. Depending on the location, the following types of dorsal hernias are distinguished:

1. Diffuse damage. It is characterized by the fact that it is impossible to establish the exact localization of deformation. Damage covers the entire intervertebral disc.
2. Medial hernia. In this type of damage, the protrusion of fibrous tissue is directed into the middle of the spinal canal.
3. Paramedic hernia. It differs in that the protrusion is directed towards one of the sides of the spinal canal.
4. Foraminal hernia. The protrusion of the fibrous tissue fills the canal in which the nerve root is located. In this case, it is compressed and the development of severe pain syndrome.
5. Dorsal medial-paramedial hernia of the disc is characterized by the fact that the damage is directed from the center (spinal cord) to one of the sides of the spinal canal. That is, the hernia is at an angle. In this case, pain and curvature of the spine are observed.

Symptoms of dorsal disc herniation in the cervical region

In the cervical spine, the dorsal hernia of the C5-C6 disc is most common. In this case, the clinical picture may resemble chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency (dyscirculatory encephalopathy). There are symptoms such as headache, high blood pressure, tinnitus. Sometimes it is possible to develop paresis and even paralysis of the extremities. Unpleasant sensations are observed in the neck, extend into the shoulder, under the shoulder blade. Dizziness and general weakness are common. In addition, the symptoms of cervical hernia include memory loss, performance, visual acuity, sleep disturbance. Painful sensations arise after bending the head, a long stay in one position.

Clinic of a hernia in the lumbar spine

In addition to the cervical region, protrusion of fibrous tissue often occurs in the lumbar region. In this case, the dorsal diffuse hernia of the L4-L5 disc develops. This pathology is dangerous because the spinal cord can be affected. In such a case paresis or paralysis of the entire pelvic girdle occurs. The patient is unable to move. The ability to control the bladder and sphincter of the rectum is also impaired . These symptoms occur when the disc is disrupted in the medial department. If the lesion is slightly deflected from the center of the spinal cord, the spine is curved. With diffuse lesions, the intervertebral disc can completely collapse. Therefore, in this case, surgical treatment is often necessary.

Diagnosis of intervertebral hernia

In order for the disease not to lead to disability, a timely diagnosis and treatment of the dorsal hernia of the disc should be performed by the physician. It is possible to suspect this pathology by such symptoms as an increase in painful sensations when walking, tilting and turning the trunk. To confirm the diagnosis, instrumental examination methods are conducted. The first thing to do is to perform a radiograph of that part of the spine in which pains are observed. In some cases this is not enough. Therefore, when suspected of a dorsal hernia, a computer tomography of the spine is often performed. Thanks to CT, it is possible to establish the dimensions of the protrusion and its exact location. In addition to instrumental diagnosis, a neurological examination is performed. Thus, the zones of compression of the nerve roots, the presence of complications (paresis, compression of the vessels) are determined.

Treatment of dorsal disc herniation

Treatment of dorsal hernia of the intervertebral disc begins with medical therapy and compliance with the regime. It is required to completely exclude physical activity, as little as possible to move. Assign anti-inflammatory drugs "Diclofenac", "Midokalm", "Prednisolone." Also, you should take the medicines needed to strengthen the bone tissue. They include preparations "Chondroitin sulfate", "Glucosamine", "Calcium-D3 Nycomed". In most cases, a special rigid corset is required to strengthen the back in one position. Also shown gymnastics (held in the position of lying), physiotherapy procedures.

With the progression of pathology and the lack of effectiveness of drug therapy, surgical treatment is necessary. Operation with a large hernial protrusion is a laminectomy. Doctors resort to it only with acute necessity, since this intervention is accompanied by a risk of developing relapse and complications. With small hernias of the cervical region, microdiscectomy is performed. It can be done with a laser.

Prophylaxis of intervertebral hernia

To prevent the emergence of a hernia, you need to perform special exercises to strengthen the muscles, exclude smoking, periodically take vitamins that contain calcium. In the presence of osteochondrosis, it is necessary to visit a neurologist at least 1-2 times a year and follow the doctor's recommendations.