What is a herniated disc? Symptoms and treatments

In the area of traumatology and orthopedics, diseases and pathologies related to the musculoskeletal system are treated. Some of the conditions treated include osteoarthritis, low back pain, or herniated discs. Many patients come to traumatology consultations with questions about what a herniated disc is, and what its symptoms and treatments are. In this article, everything related to this condition will be discussed in depth.

What is a herniated disc?

The herniated disc It is the displacement of a part of the intervertebral disc out of its natural position. This displacement can produce a series of clinical symptoms that vary depending on the location of the hernia. Symptoms can range from pain in both arms (in cervical disc herniation) or in both legs (lumbar disc herniation) to neck or lower back pain.

Causes of herniated disc

Herniated discs can have multiple origins. The most common causes include:

• Mechanical problems: Traumas or injuries affecting the spine can contribute to the development of this pathology.
• Repetitive forced movements: Certain work or sports activities that involve excessive effort or poor posture can increase the risk of developing herniated discs.
• Age: Aging weakens the intervertebral discs, making them more prone to herniate.
• Genetic component: Some studies suggest that genetic predisposition may contribute to the development of herniated discs.

Types of herniated disc

There are three main types of herniated disc: cervical herniated disc, thoracic herniated disc, and lumbar herniated disc.

Cervical disc herniation

Also known as a herniated disc, this pathology occurs between the C1 and C7 vertebrae, with the most common conditions being between the nerves located in C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7. People who are most prone to suffer from this hernia are those between 30 and 50 years of age.

Thoracic disc herniation

Thoracic, or dorsal, disc herniation occurs in the upper back and is the least common of all hernias. Its most serious symptoms include paralysis in the lower part of the body (below the waist). The development of a thoracic hernia may be due to degenerative disc disease or trauma.

lumbar disc herniation

Its main symptom is sciatica (pain in the leg), accompanied by pain and weakness in the same area. The nerves most likely to suffer from sciatica are L5 and S1.

Symptoms of herniated disc

The symptoms of a herniated disc are varied and depend on the location of the hernia, its size and the degree of neurological compression it causes. Therefore, they can cause anything from simple pain in the spine known as lumbago, to spinal stenosis, which presents more serious symptoms and can affect the function of the arms and/or legs.

Lumbar osteoarthritis can aggravate the pain associated with a herniated disc. To a much lesser extent, spinal pain is caused by spinal tumors, but when experiencing spinal pain, it is definitely advisable to go to a traumatology clinic to perform a complete medical study on the patient.

Where does it hurt if you have a herniated disc?

As we have mentioned previously, the pain associated with a herniated disc depends on its location, size and degree of compression. In cervical herniated discs, the pain may occur in the neck and radiate to the shoulders, arms and hands. In the case of thoracic herniated discs, the pain usually occurs in the middle part of the back and may extend to the abdomen or ribs. Finally, in the case of lumbar herniated discs, the pain may occur in the lower back and may radiate to the legs.

Herniated disc treatment

The treatment of a herniated disc depends on its size, its location in the spine, and the neurological structures it compresses. Today, there are several techniques for treating herniated discs, ranging from traditional open surgery to minimally invasive surgeries, such as those performed in our trauma unit.

Herniated disc surgery

The need for surgery to treat a herniated disc will depend on the location and size of the hernia, as well as the clinical symptoms presented by the patient.

There are different techniques used for spinal surgery:

• Open or conventional surgery, where surgical aggression is greater.
• Minimally invasive surgery in which the risks and damage to the body's tissues are substantially reduced and the recovery time is minimal.

Regardless of the technique, it is essential that patients seek out specialized centers where professionals with extensive experience in such surgeries perform the procedure. The skill, knowledge and experience of surgeons are crucial to guarantee optimal results and minimize complications, ensuring an effective recovery.

Recovery after herniated disc surgery

Recovery from spine surgery ultra-minimally invasive techniques, is relatively quick, being able to return to regular work in a very short period of time, since the lower back pain that the patient suffered disappears immediately. This microsurgery, carried out by our specialists in lumbar disc herniation, allows the patient to not require recovery instruments such as the use of lumbar support or medications, although after surgery we always recommend physical therapy treatment.

After surgery we always recommend physical therapy treatment.

Spine specialist clinics in Madrid

Nowadays, there are very few clinics that perform this type of spinal column treatments throughout Spain. Our center is the only one to use the combination of laser surgery with endoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that allows for optimal results with less recovery time.

Herniated disc operation price

Prices for herniated disc surgeries vary depending on the complexity of the case, as well as the individual needs of each patient.

If you want to know more about your case, contact our team of traumatologists from Madrid to make an appointment so we can evaluate your case in depth and provide you with a diagnosis and treatment that will improve your quality of life.