Did you know, dear reader, that most people are prone to back pain at any age at least once in their lifetime? Did you know that approximately 619 million people globally experienced back pain in 2020, and cases are expected to rise to an estimated 843 million by 2050? Health initiatives, hence, emerged to raise awareness about back pain, such as the "Support Your Spine" initiative, which encourages people to prioritize spinal health across all aspects of life. The Initiative is distinguished by a blue and green ribbon, and is held annually on 16 October, which coincides with the World Spine Day. In this article, we learn about the spine and shed light on disc herniation as one of the most common causes of back pain.
The Spine
The spine consists of bones known as vertebrae stacked upon one another; between them are gel-like cushions known as discs, which protect the vertebrae by absorbing pressure and facilitate ease of movement and bending. When a disc shifts from its natural position, a herniated disc occurs; this is one of the main causes of back, neck, and leg pain. It most often occurs in the lower part of the spine (lower back), and sometimes in the neck.
Causes and Symptoms of Disc Herniation
A herniated disc occurs when heavy objects are lifted incorrectly, or when the body is twisted or bent, or due to falling and experiencing severe back trauma. Other factors may increase the chances of developing a herniated disc, such as: excess weight, which adds pressure on the vertebrae; strenuous physical exertion, such as lifting, pushing, bending, and twisting, which affects the straight position of the spine; genetic factors which make some people more susceptible than others; smoking, which reduces blood supply to the discs in the spine and makes them more prone to damage; sitting for long periods with vibrations, such as driving, which leads to compression of the spine; and advancing age for those over 50 years old; moreover, women are more susceptible to injury than men.
In all injuries, pain is a common symptom; however, it varies depending on the injury location. For example, if the injury is in the lower back, pain occurs in the thigh, foot, and back, accompanied with muscle weakness. If the injury is in the neck, pain occurs in the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers, or in the neck when bent or moved. In case of pressure on the nerves, a feeling of numbness or pins and needles occurs in various parts of the body;d the muscles innervated by these nerves tend to weaken, reducing the ability to lift or grasp objects.
Tips to Prevent Herniated Discs
Injury can be avoided by promoting healthy habits, such as: practicing sports that strengthen and stabilize the spine; maintaining a proper posture to protect discs from compression; avoiding high heels, which disrupt this posture; lifting heavy objects correctly by using leg strength, not your back; and quitting smoking to improve blood circulation to the discs.
Examination and Treatment of Herniated Discs
Examinations, including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans, are performed to assess the severity and extent of disc damage.
Treatment for disc injuries depends on the severity of the condition. Minor injuries often heal within 4–6 weeks without any medical intervention or treatment, potentially including rest for 1–3 days. Moderate injuries may benefit from pain relievers, while severe cases may necessitate physical therapy. Surgical intervention for herniated discs is rarely required.
A herniated disc is not just a health issue, but it also affects our lifestyle; prevention is the best option to maintain a healthy body and for a better life.
References
healthline.com
mayoclinic.org
my.clevelandclinic.org
orthoinfo.aaos.org
worldspineday.org