What is a herniated disc? Many patients who suffer from low back pain, leg pain and muscle weakness in the lower extremities are diagnosed with a herniated disc. When a herniated disc occurs, the disc, the “cushion” between the two adjacent vertebrae, leaves its normal position and is squeezed out. If it does not compress the spinal cord and nerve roots that are in close proximity to it, no problem occurs. What is an intervertebral disc? A disc is a “soft cushion” between two adjacent vertebrae. As we age, the discs become harder. In younger years, the discs are soft and flexible, but like many other structures in the body, they gradually lose their elasticity and become vulnerable to damage. In the 30-year-old age group, MRI shows degenerative disc degeneration in about 30% of the population. What are the consequences of a herniated disc? As the disc becomes less flexible, it may rupture. After the disc ruptures, a portion of the disc tissue protrudes beyond its normal boundaries. —- is called a “disc herniation”. Following a disc herniation, the nerve roots and spinal cord may be compressed. Normally there are very small spaces around the spinal cord and nerve roots, but if the herniated disc occupies these spaces, the spinal cord and nerve roots may be compressed. What are the causes of herniated disc symptoms? After a herniated disc ruptures and protrudes backward, the nerve roots may be compressed. A herniated disc may occur because of a sudden event such as a fall injury or accident, or it may occur because of a cumulative injury to the spine. Those with a herniated disc often already have lumbar spinal stenosis, which can cause narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots. After a herniated disc occurs, the aforementioned space is further reduced, resulting in irritation of the spinal cord and nerve roots as a result. What are the symptoms of a herniated disc? After the spinal cord and nerve roots are compressed, they do not work properly. This means that abnormal signals are transmitted through the compressed nerves or that signals cannot be transmitted through these compressed nerves. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include: 1. Electrical irritation pain The nerve compression causes an abnormal sensation, such as a tingling pain like electrical stimulation. When the compression occurs in the cervical spine, the tingling pain radiates to the upper extremities; when the compression occurs in the lumbar spine, the tingling pain radiates to the lower extremities. 2. tingling and numbness Patients often have abnormal sensations such as tingling, numbness, burning sensation, and pins and needles. These symptoms can occur in the same area as the pain. 3.Muscle atrophy Due to nerve stimulation, the signal from the brain is interrupted or does not flow well causing muscle atrophy. Nerve irritation can also be tested by checking reflexes. 4. Problems with urination and defecation These symptoms are very important because it may be a sign of cauda equina syndrome (caused by a herniated disc), which is an indication for emergency surgery. If you have problems with urination and defecation, or numbness in the perineal area, you should see your doctor immediately. All of these symptoms are caused by the herniated disc irritating the nerves. These symptoms are caused by the herniated disc pressing on a nerve through interference signals from the brain to the limb and back to the brain. How is a herniated disc diagnosed? In most cases, your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis of a herniated disc through a physical examination (checking sensation, muscle strength, reflexes). An MRI can help with the diagnosis of a herniated disc. For patients, MRI is only valuable if it is consistent with the physical examination findings. It is sometimes normal for older patients to have abnormal changes on MRI of the lumbar spine. young people in their 20’s may begin to show signs of disc degeneration, which are typically seen in people in their 40’s and 50’s. This is why your doctor sometimes fails to notice and is noticed by radiologists. After a diagnosis of a herniated disc is made, a treatment plan is proposed based on the patient’s symptoms, what is seen on physical examination, and the x-ray and MRI findings. Once the information has been collected a reasonable treatment plan should be made.