Spinal disc herniation

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"Slipped disc" redirects here. For other uses, see Slipped disc (disambiguation).

Spinal disc herniation

Classification and external resources

A spinal disc herniation demonstrated via MRI.

ICD-10

M51.2

ICD-9

722.0-722.2

OMIM

603932

DiseasesDB

6861

MedlinePlus

000442

eMedicine

orthoped/138 radio/219

MeSH

D007405

A Spinal disc herniation (prolapsus disci intervertebralis) is a medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) of an intervertebral disc (discus intervertebralis) allows the soft,

central portion (nucleus pulposus) to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings. Disc herniation is usually due to age related degeneration of the annulus fibrosus, althoughtrauma, lifting injuries, or straining have been implicated. Tears are almost always postero-lateral in nature owing to the presence of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the spinal canal.[1] This tear in the disc ring may result in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators which may directly cause severe pain, even in the absence of nerve root compression. Disc herniations are normally a further development of a previously existing disc "protrusion", a condition in which the outermost layers of the annulus fibrosus are still intact, but can bulge when the disc is under pressure. In contrast to a herniation, none of the nucleus pulposus escapes beyond the outer layers. Most minor herniations heal within several weeks. Anti-inflammatory treatments for pain associated with disc herniation, protrusion, bulge, or disc tear are generally effective. Severe herniations may not heal of their own accord and may require surgical intervention. The condition is widely referred to as a slipped disc, but this term is not medically accurate as the spinal discs are firmly attached between the vertebrae and cannot "slip".
Contents
[hide]

1 Terminology 2 Signs and symptoms 3 Cause 4 Location

o o

4.1 Cervical Disc Herniation 4.2 Lumbar Disc Herniation

5 Pathophysiology 6 Diagnosis

o o o

6.1 Physical examination 6.2 Imaging 6.3 Differential diagnosis

7 Treatment

7.1 Lumbar Disc Herniation

7.1.1 Indicated 7.1.2 Contraindicated 7.1.3 Inconclusive 7.1.4 Surgical Treatment 7.1.5 Surgical options

8 Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation 9 Rehabilitation

o o o o o

9.1 Electrostimulation 9.2 Laser light therapy 9.3 Ultrasound therapy 9.4 Hot/cold therapy 9.5 Weightlifting

10 Epidemiology 11 Prevention of Disc Herniation

o o

11.1 Education 11.2 Exercise

12 Research 13 References 14 External links

Terminology[edit]

Lumbar Disc Lesions, Classification by Dr.Harry Gouvas

Normal situation and spinal disc herniation in cervical vertebrae.

Illustration depicting herniated disc and spinal nerve compression

Example of a herniated disc at the L5-S1 in the lumbar spine.

Stages of Spinal Disc Herniation

Some of the terms commonly used to describe the condition include herniated disc, prolapsed disc, ruptured disc and slipped disc. Other phenomena that are closely related include disc protrusion, pinched nerves, sciatica, disc disease, disc degeneration, degenerative disc disease, and black disc. The popular term slipped disc is a misnomer, as the intervertebral discs are tightly sandwiched between two vertebrae to which they are attached, and cannot actually "slip", or even get out of place. The disc is actually grown together with the adjacent vertebrae and can be squeezed, stretched and twisted, all in small degrees. It can also be torn, ripped, herniated, and degenerated, but it cannot "slip".[2] Some authors consider that the term "slipped disc" is harmful, as it leads to an incorrect idea of what has occurred and thus of the likely

outcome.[3][4] However, during growth, one vertebral body can slip relative to an adjacent vertebral body. This congenital deformity is called spondylolisthesis.[5]

Signs and symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of a herniated disc can vary depending on the location of the herniation and the types of soft tissue that become involved. They can range from little or no pain if the disc is the only tissue injured, to severe and unrelenting neck or lower back pain that will radiate into the regions served by affected nerve roots that are irritated or impinged by the herniated material. Often, herniated discs are not diagnosed immediately, as the patients come with undefined pains in the thighs, knees, or feet. Other symptoms may include sensory changes such as numbness, tingling, muscular weakness, paralysis, paresthesia, and affection of reflexes. If the herniated disc is in the lumbar region the patient may also experience sciatica due to irritation of one of the nerve roots of the sciatic nerve. Unlike a pulsating pain or pain that comes and goes, which can be caused by muscle spasm, pain from a herniated disc is usually continuous or at least is continuous in a specific position of the body. It is possible to have a herniated disc without any pain or noticeable symptoms, depending on its location. If the extruded nucleus pulposus material doesn't press on soft tissues or nerves, it may not cause any symptoms. A small-sample study examining the cervical spine in symptom-free volunteers has found focal disc protrusions in 50% of participants, which suggests that a considerable part of the population can have focal herniated discs in their cervical region that do not cause noticeable symptoms. [6][7]Typically, symptoms are experienced only on one side of the body. If the prolapse is very large and presses on the spinal cord or the cauda equina in the lumbar region, both sides of the body may be affected, often with serious consequences. Compression of the cauda equina can cause permanent nerve damage or paralysis. The nerve damage can result in loss of bowel and bladder control as well as sexual dysfunction. This disorder is called cauda equina syndrome.

Cause[edit]
Disc herniations can result from general wear and tear, such as when performing jobs that require constant sitting and squatting.[citation needed] However, herniations often result from jobs that require lifting.[citation needed] Minor back pain and chronic back tiredness are indicators of general wear and tear that make one susceptible to herniation on the occurrence of a traumatic event, such as bending to pick up a pencil or falling. [citation
needed]

When the spine is straight, such as in standing or lying down, internal pressure is equalized on all parts of

the discs. While sitting or bending to lift, internal pressure on a disc can move from 17 psi (lying down) to over 300 psi (lifting with a rounded back).[citation needed]. Herniation of the contents of the disc into the spinal canal often occurs when the anterior side (stomach side) of the disc is compressed while sitting or bending forward, and the contents (nucleus pulposus) get pressed against the tightly stretched and thinned membrane (annulus fibrosis) on the posterior side (back side) of the disc. The combination of membrane thinning from stretching and increased internal pressure (200 to 300 psi) results in the rupture of the confining membrane. The jelly-like

contents of the disc then move into the spinal canal, pressing against the spinal nerves, which may produce intense and potentially disabling pain and other symptoms.[citation needed] There is also a strong genetic component. Mutation in genes coding for proteins involved in the regulation of the extracellular matrix, such as MMP2 and THBS2, has been demonstrated to contribute to lumbar disc herniation.[8]

Location[edit]
The majority of spinal disc herniation cases occur in lumbar region (95% in L4-L5 or L5-S1).[9] The second most common site is the cervical region (C5-C6, C6-C7). The thoracic regionaccounts for only 0.15% to 4.0% of cases. Herniations usually occur posterolaterally, where the annulus fibrosis is relatively thin and is not reinforced by the posterior or anterior longitudinal ligament.[9] In the cervical spinal cord, a symptomatic posterolateral herniation between two vertebrae will impinge on the nerve which exits the spinal canal between those two vertebrae on that side.[9] So for example, a right posterolateral herniation of the disc between vertebrae C5 and C6 will impinge on the right C6 spinal nerve. The rest of the spinal cord, however, is oriented differently, so a symptomatic posterolateral herniation between two vertebrae will actually impinge on the nerve exiting at the next intervertebral foramen down.[9] So for example, a herniation of the disc between the L5 and S1 vertebrae will impinge on the S1 spinal nerve, which exits between the S1 and S2 vertebrae.

Cervical Disc Herniation[edit]

Cervical disc herniations occur in the neck, most often between the fifth & sixth (C5/6) and the sixth and seventh (C6/7) cervical vertebral bodies. Symptoms can affect the back of the skull, the neck, shoulder girdle, scapula,[10] shoulder, arm, and hand. The nerves of the cervical plexus and brachial plexus can be affected.[11]

Lumbar Disc Herniation[edit]

Lumbar disc herniations occur in the lower back, most often between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebral bodies or between the fifth and the sacrum. Symptoms can affect the lower back,buttocks, thigh, anal/genital region (via the Perineal nerve), and may radiate into the foot and/or toe. The sciatic nerve is the most commonly affected nerve, causing symptoms of sciatica. Thefemoral nerve can also be affected[12] and cause the patient to experience a numb, tingling feeling throughout one or both legs and even feet or even a burning feeling in the hips and legs.

Pathophysiology[edit]
There is now recognition of the importance of chemical radiculitis in the generation of back pain.[13] A primary focus of surgery is to remove pressure or reduce mechanical compression on a neural element: either the spinal cord, or a nerve root. But it is increasingly recognized that back pain, rather than being solely due to compression, may also be due to chemical inflammation.[13][14][15][16] There is evidence that points to a specific inflammatory mediator of this pain.[17][18] This inflammatory molecule, called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), is released not only by the herniated disc, but also in cases of disc tear (annular tear), by facet joints, and

in spinal stenosis.[13][19][20][21] In addition to causing pain and inflammation, TNF may also contribute to disc degeneration.[22]

Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is made by a practitioner based on the history, symptoms, and physical examination. At some point in the evaluation, tests may be performed to confirm or rule out other causes of symptoms such as spondylolisthesis, degeneration, tumors, metastases and space-occupying lesions, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of potential treatment options.

Physical examination[edit]
Main article: Straight leg raise The Straight leg raise may be positive, as this finding has low specificity; however, it has high sensitivity. Thus the finding of a negative SLR sign is important in helping to "rule out" the possibility of a lower lumbar disc herniation. A variation is to lift the leg while the patient is sitting.[23] However, this reduces the sensitivity of the test.[24]

Imaging[edit]

X-ray: Although traditional plain X-rays are limited in their ability to image soft tissues such as discs, muscles, and nerves, they are still used to confirm or exclude other possibilities such as tumors, infections, fractures, etc. In spite of these limitations, X-ray can still play a relatively inexpensive role in confirming the suspicion of the presence of a herniated disc. If a suspicion is thus strengthened, other methods may be used to provide final confirmation.

Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan): A diagnostic image created after a computer reads x-rays. It can show the shape and size of the spinal canal, its contents, and the structures around it, including soft tissues. However, visual confirmation of a disc herniation can be difficult with a CT.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A diagnostic test that produces three-dimensional images of body structures using powerful magnets and computer technology. It can show the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding areas, as well as enlargement, degeneration, and tumors. It shows soft tissues even better than CAT scans. An MRI performed with a high magnetic field strength usually provides the most conclusive evidence for diagnosis of a disc herniation. T2-weighted images allow for clear visualization of protruded disc material in the spinal canal.

Myelogram: An x-ray of the spinal canal following injection of a contrast material into the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid spaces. By revealing displacement of the contrast material, it can show the presence of structures that can cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, such as herniated discs, tumors, or bone spurs. Because it involves the injection of foreign substances, MRI scans are now preferred for most

patients. Myelograms still provide excellent outlines of space-occupying lesions, especially when combined with CT scanning (CT myelography).

Electromyogram and Nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS): These tests measure the electrical impulse along nerve roots, peripheral nerves, and muscle tissue. This will indicate whether there is ongoing nerve damage, if the nerves are in a state of healing from a past injury, or whether there is another site of nerve compression. EMG/NCS studies are typically used to pinpoint the sources of nerve dysfunction distal to the spine.

The presence and severity of myelopathy can be evaluated by means of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a neurophysiological method that allows the measurement of the time required for a neural impulse to cross the pyramidal tracts, starting from the cerebral cortex and ending at the anterior horn cells of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spinal cord. This measurement is called Central Conduction Time (CCT). TMS can aid physicians to:

determine whether myelopathy exists identify the level of the spinal cord where myelopathy is located. This is especially useful in cases where more that two lesions may be responsible for the clinical symptoms and signs, such as in patients with two or more cervical disc hernias[25]

follow-up the progression of myelopathy in time, for example before and after cervical spine surgery TMS can also help in the differential diagnosis of different causes of pyramidal tract damage.[26]

Narrowed space between L5 and S1 vertebrae, indicating probable prolapsed intervertebral disc - a classic picture.

MRI scan of cervical disc herniation between fifth and sixth cervical vertebral bodies. Note that herniation between sixth and seventh cervical vertebral bodies is most common.

MRI scan of cervical disc herniation between sixth and seventh cervical vertebral bodies.

MRI scan of large herniation (on the right) of the disc between the L4-L5 vertebrae.

MRI Scan of lumbar disc herniation between fourth and fifth lumbar vertebral bodies.

A rather severe herniation of the L4-L5 disc.

Differential diagnosis[edit]

Mechanical pain Discogenic pain Myofascial pain Spondylosis/spondylolisthesis Spinal stenosis Abscess Hematoma Discitis/osteomyelitis Mass lesion/malignancy Myocardial infarction Aortic dissection

Treatment[edit]
In the majority of cases, spinal disc herniation doesn't require surgery, and a study on sciatica, which can be caused by spinal disc herniation, found that "after 12 weeks, 73% of patients showed reasonable to major improvement without surgery."[27]The study, however, did not determine the number of individuals in the group that had sciatica caused by disc herniation.

Initial treatment usually consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication (NSAIDs), but the longterm use of NSAIDs for patients with persistent back pain is complicated by their possible cardiovascular and gastrointestinal toxicity.[28]

An alternative often employed is the injection of cortisone into the spine adjacent to the suspected pain generator, a technique known as epidural steroid injection.[29] Epidural steroid injections "may result in some improvement in radicular lumbosacral pain when assessed between 2 and 6 weeks following the injection, compared to control treatments."[30] Specifically epidural steroids given via the transforaminal route in the peri radicular distribution result in significant improvements in 55 percent of patients with benefits lasting for one year or longer in half of those who respond
[31]

The probability of response depends

on the extent of neural compression of the nerve root as defined by the preservation of epidural fat (on T1 weighted MRI sequences) and CSF on T2 weighted images and the presence of nerve root distortion and effacement. Greater nerve root compression correlated with lower success rates with transforaminal injection of steroids. [32] Complications resulting from poor technique are rare.[33]

Ancillary approaches, such as rehabilitation, physical therapy, anti-depressants, and, in particular, graduated exercise programs, may all be useful adjuncts to anti-inflammatory approaches.[28]

Lumbar Disc Herniation[edit]

Non-surgical methods of treatment are usually attempted first, leaving surgery as a last resort. Pain medications are often prescribed as the first attempt to alleviate the acute pain and allow the patient to begin exercising and stretching. There are a variety of other non-surgical methods used in attempts to relieve the condition after it has occurred, often in combination with pain killers. They are either considered indicated, contraindicated, relatively contraindicated, or inconclusive based on the safety profile of their risk-benefit ratio and on whether they may or may not help:

Indicated[edit]
1. Patient education on proper body mechanics[34] 2. Physical therapy, to address mechanical factors, and may include modalities to temporarily relieve pain (i.e. traction, electrical stimulation, massage)[34] 3. High Power Laser Therapy, to relieve the pain, as anti-inflammatory and natural dehydration of the disk allowing to retreat that much in order to avoid nerve compression[34] 4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)[34] 5. Oral steroids (e.g. prednisone or methylprednisolone)[34] 6. Epidural cortisone injection[34] 7. Intravenous sedation, analgesia-assisted traction therapy (IVSAAT) 8. Weight control[34] 9. Tobacco cessation 10. Lumbosacral back support[34] 11. Spinal manipulation: Moderate quality evidence suggests that spinal manipulation is more effective than placebo for the treatment of acute (less than 3 months duration) lumbar disk herniation and acute sciatica.[35][36] The same study also found "low to very low" evidence for its usefulness in treating chronic lumbar symptoms (more than 3 months) and "The quality of evidence for ... cervical spine related extremity symptoms of any duration is low or very low". A 2006 review of published research stated that spinal manipulation is likely to be safe when used by appropriately-trained practitioners,"[37] and research currently suggests that spinal manipulation is safe for the treatment of disk-related pain.[38]

Contraindicated[edit]
1. Spinal manipulation: According to the WHO, in their guidelines on chiropractic practice, spinal manipulation is contraindicated for disc herniations when there are progressive neurological deficits. An example of this would be cauda equina syndrome.[39]

Inconclusive[edit]

1. Non-surgical spinal decompression: A 2007 review of published research on this treatment method found shortcomings in most published studies and concluded that there was only "very limited evidence in the scientific literature to support the effectiveness of non-surgical spinal decompression therapy."[40] Its use and marketing have been very controversial.[41]

Surgical Treatment[edit]
Surgery is generally considered only as a last resort, or if a patient has a significant neurological deficit. [42] The presence of cauda equina syndrome (in which there is incontinence, weakness and genital numbness) is considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention and possibly surgical decompression. Regarding the role of surgery for failed medical therapy in patients without a significant neurological deficit, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by theCochrane Collaboration concluded that "limited evidence is now available to support some aspects of surgical practice". More recent randomized controlled trials refine indications for surgery as follows:

The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) Patients studied "intervertebral disk herniation and persistent symptoms despite some nonoperative treatment for at least 6 weeks...radicular pain (below the knee for lower lumbar herniations, into the anterior thigh for upper lumbar herniations) and evidence of nerve-root irritation with a positive nerve-root tension sign (straight leg raisepositive between 30 and 70 or positive femoral tension sign) or a corresponding neurologic deficit (asymmetrical depressed reflex, decreased sensation in a dermatomal distribution, or weakness in a myotomal distribution)

Conclusions. "Patients in both the surgery and the nonoperative treatment groups improved substantially over a 2-year period. Because of the large numbers of patients who crossed over in both directions, conclusions about the superiority or equivalence of the treatments are not warranted based on the intentto-treat analysis"[43][44]

The Hague Spine Intervention Prognostic Study Group[45] Patients studied "had a radiologically confirmed disk herniation...incapacitating lumbosacral radicular syndrome that had lasted for 6 to 12 weeks...Patients presenting with cauda equina syndrome, muscle paralysis, or insufficient strength to move against gravity were excluded."

Conclusions. "The 1-year outcomes were similar for patients assigned to early surgery and those assigned to conservative treatment with eventual surgery if needed, but the rates of pain relief and of perceived recovery were faster for those assigned to early surgery."

Surgical options[edit]

Chemonucleolysis - dissolves the protruding disc[46] IDET (a minimally invasive surgery for disc pain)

Discectomy/Microdiscectomy - to relieve nerve compression Tessys method - a transforaminal endoscopic method to remove herniated discs Laminectomy - to relieve spinal stenosis or nerve compression Hemilaminectomy - to relieve spinal stenosis or nerve compression Lumbar fusion (lumbar fusion is only indicated for recurrent lumbar disc herniations, not primary herniations)

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (for cervical disc herniation) Disc arthroplasty (experimental for cases of cervical disc herniation) Dynamic stabilization Artificial disc replacement, a relatively new form of surgery in the U.S. but has been in use in Europe for decades, primarily used to treat low back pain from a degenerated disc.

Nucleoplasty[47]

Surgical goals include relief of nerve compression, allowing the nerve to recover, as well as the relief of associated back pain and restoration of normal function.

Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation[edit]

Cauda equina syndrome Chronic pain Permanent nerve injury Paralysis

Rehabilitation[edit]
Rehabilitation of a herniated disc varies greatly upon a patients condition. Major factors taken into consideration are the patients pain threshold and severity of injury. Degree of injury ranges from some minor discomfort to immense pain that causes movement restrictions *.[48] Possible sciatica symptoms are also taken into account when discussing a patients discomfort and should always be considered for possible MRI investigation.

Electrostimulation[edit]
A module of rehabilitation is electrostimulation *[49] which is commonly used in the physical therapy field. Electrostimulation therapy includes placement of electrode pads proximal to the strained or weakened erector spinae surrounding the herniated disc.[50]

Laser light therapy[edit]

Laser light therapy is a light utilizing module with an instrument that emits the therapeutic light directly onto the injured area.

Vast arrays of therapeutic light/laser therapy* [49] instruments are available for home use. Above is an example of a unit that can be commercially purchased and used at home.

The red circle indicates a herniated intervertebral disc from compression and over extension of the lumbar vertebrae. The black squares surrounding it are locations of the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae where a patient may have electrodes placed during electrostimulation therapy.

Ultrasound therapy[edit]
Ultrasound*[49] is similar to laser therapy in its direct application to damaged tissues but utilizes vibrations in a crystal-containing handheld unit.

Hot/cold therapy[edit]
A general form of therapy is the use of ice packs and heat packs which are usually wrapped in a towel and applied directly.

Weightlifting[edit]
Weightlifting has been used in conjunction with the aforementioned therapeutic modalities. Gasiorowskis research proves that patients who qualify for surgical procedures can alternatively select weightlifting to avoid

risks of surgery. Weightlifting involves the use of multigym machines, free-weights, and barbells. As a part of this type of therapy, plyometric exercises were implemented to help correct any imbalances in the patients gait that resulted from disc herniation *.[48]

Epidemiology[edit]
Disc herniation can occur in any disc in the spine, but the two most common forms are lumbar disc herniation and cervical disc herniation. The former is the most common, causing lower back pain (lumbago) and often leg pain as well, in which case it is commonly referred to as sciatica. Lumbar disc herniation occurs 15 times more often than cervical (neck) disc herniation, and it is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. The cervical discs are affected 8% of the time and the upper-to-mid-back (thoracic) discs only 1 - 2% of the time.[51] The following locations have no discs and are therefore exempt from the risk of disc herniation: the upper two cervical intervertebral spaces, the sacrum, and the coccyx. Most disc herniations occur when a person is in their thirties or forties when the nucleus pulposus is still a gelatin-like substance. With age the nucleus pulposus changes ("dries out") and the risk of herniation is greatly reduced. After age 50 or 60, osteoarthritic degeneration (spondylosis) or spinal stenosis are more likely causes of low back pain or leg pain.

4.8% males and 2.5% females older than 35 experience sciatica during their lifetime. Of all individuals, 60% to 80% experience back pain during their lifetime. In 14%, pain lasts more than 2 weeks. Generally, males have a slightly higher incidence than females.

Prevention of Disc Herniation[edit]

Because there are various causes for back injuries, prevention must be comprehensive. Back injuries are predominant in manual labor so the majority low back pain prevention methods have been applied primarily toward biomechanics[52] Prevention must come from multiple sources such as education, proper body mechanics, and physical fitness.

Education[edit]
Education should emphasize not lifting beyond ones capabilities and giving the body a rest after strenuous effort. Over time, poor posture can cause the IVD to tear or become damaged. Striving to maintain proper posture and alignment will aid in preventing disc degradation.[53]

Exercise[edit]
Exercises that are used to enhance back strength may also be used to prevent back injuries. Back exercises include the prone press-ups, transverse abdominus bracing, and floor bridges. Abdominal bracing protects against joint and disc injury. Ifpain is present in the back, it can mean that the stabilization muscles of the back

are weak and a person needs to train the trunk musculature. Another preventative measure is to not work oneself past fatigue. Signs of fatigue include shaking, poor coordination, muscle burning and loss of the transverse abdominal brace. Individuals who engage in power lifting place their bodies under heavy stress. Barbells are common tools used in strength training. The usage of lumbarsacral support belts may restrict movement at the spine and support the back during lifting.[54]

Research[edit]
Future treatments may include stem cell therapy. Doctors Victor Y. L. Leung, Danny Chan and Kenneth M. C. Cheung have reported in the European Spine Journal that "substantial progress has been made in the field of stem cell regeneration of the intervertebral disc. Autogenic mesenchymal stem cells in animal models can arrest intervertebral disc degeneration or even partially regenerate it and the effect is suggested to be dependent on the severity of the degeneration."[55]

A herniated (slipped) disk occurs when all or part of a disk is forced through a weakened part of the disk. This may place pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord.

Watch this video about:Herniated nucleus pulposus (slipped disk)

Causes
The bones (vertebrae) of the spinal column protect nerves that come out of the brain and travel down your back to form the spinal cord. Nerve roots are large nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and leave your spinal column between each vertebrae. The spinal bones are separated by disks. These disks cushion the spinal column and put space between your vertebrae. The disks allow movement between the vertebrae, which lets you bend and reach. With herniated disk: The disk may move out of place (herniate) or break open (rupture) from injury or strain. When this happens, there may be pressure on the spinal nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness. The lower back (lumbar area) of the spine is the most common area for a slipped disk. The neck (cervical) disks are sometimes affected. The upper-to-mid-back (thoracic) disks are rarely involved.

A herniated disk is one cause of radiculopathy. This is any disease that affects the spinal nerve roots.

Slipped disks occur more often in middle-aged and older men, usually after strenuous activity. Other risk factors include conditions present at birth (congenital) that affect the size of the lumbar spinal canal.

Symptoms
The pain most often occurs on one side of the body. With a slipped disk in your lower back, you may have sharp pain in one part of the leg, hip, or buttocks and numbness in other parts. You may also feel pain or numbness on the back of the calf or sole of the foot. The same leg may also feel weak. With a slipped disk in your neck, you may have pain when moving your neck, deep pain near or over the shoulder blade, or pain that moves to the upper arm, forearm, and fingers. You can also have numbness along your shoulder, elbow, forearm, and fingers.

The pain often starts slowly. It may get worse: After standing or sitting At night When sneezing, coughing, or laughing When bending backward or walking more than a few yards

You may also have weakness in certain muscles. Sometimes, you may not notice it until your doctor examines you. In other cases, you will notice that you have a hard time lifting your leg or arm, standing on your toes on one side, squeezing tightly with one of your hands, or other problems. The pain, numbness, or weakness often goes away or improves a lot over weeks to months.

Exams and Tests

A careful physical exam and history is almost always the first step. Depending on where you have symptoms, your doctor examines your neck, shoulder, arms, and hands, or your lower back, hips, legs, and feet. Your doctor will check: For numbness or loss of feeling Your muscle reflexes, which may be slower or missing Your muscle strength, which may be weaker Your posture, or the way your spine curves

Your doctor may also ask you to: Sit, stand, and walk. While you walk, your doctor may ask you to try walking on your toes and then your heels. Bend forward, backward, and sideways Move your neck forward, backward, and sideways

Raise your shoulders, elbow, wrist, and hand and check your strength during these tasks

Leg pain that occurs when you sit down on an exam table and lift your leg straight up usually suggests a slipped disk in your lower back. In another test, you will bend your head forward and to the sides while the health care provider puts slight downward pressure on the top of your head. Increased pain or numbness during this test is usually a sign of pressure on a nerve in your neck. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS EMG may be done to determine the exact nerve root that is involved. Myelogram may be done to determine the size and location of disk herniation. Nerve conduction velocity test may also be done. Spine MRI or spine CT will show that the herniated disk is pressing on the spinal canal. Spine x-ray may be done to rule out other causes of back or neck pain. However, it is not possible to diagnose a herniated disk by a spine x-ray alone.

Treatment
The first treatment for a slipped disk is a short period of rest with medicines for the pain. This is followed by physical therapy. Most people who follow these treatments recover and return to normal activities. Some persons will need to have more treatment. This may include steroid injections or surgery. MEDICATIONS Medicines can help with your pain. Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs for long-term pain control. Narcotics may be prescribed if the pain is severe and does not respond to NSAIDs. If you have back spasms, you will usually receive muscle relaxants. In rare cases, steroid medicines may be given, either by pill or through a vein (IV), to control your back pain. LIFESTYLE CHANGES Diet and exercise are very important for improving back pain if you are overweight. Physical therapy is important for nearly everyone with disk disease. Therapists will teach you how to properly lift, dress, walk, and perform other activities. They teach you how to strengthen muscles that help support the spine. You will also learn how to increase flexibility in your spine and legs. Take care of your back at home: Reduce activity for the first few days. Slowly restart your usual activities. Avoid heavy lifting or twisting your back for the first 6 weeks after the pain starts. After 2 to 3 weeks, gradually start exercising again.

INJECTIONS Steroid medicine injections into the back in the area of the herniated disk may help control pain for several months. These injections reduce swelling around the disk and relieve many symptoms. Spinal injections are usually done in your doctor's office. SURGERY Surgery may be an option if your symptoms do not go away with other treatments and time. Diskectomy is surgery to remove all or part of a disk. Discuss with your doctor which treatment options are best for you.

Outlook (Prognosis)
Most people improve with treatment. But you may have long-term back pain even after treatment. It may take several months to a year or more to go back to all of your activities without having pain or straining your back. People who work in jobs that involve heavy lifting or back strain may need to change their job activities to avoid injuring their back again.

Possible Complications
In rare cases, the following problems can occur: Long-term back pain or leg pain Loss of movement or feeling in the legs or feet Loss of bowel and bladder function Permanent spinal cord injury (very rare)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if: You have severe back pain that does not go away You have any numbness, loss of movement, weakness, or bowel or bladder changes

Prevention
Being safe at work and play, using proper lifting techniques, and controlling weight may help prevent back injury. Your health care provider may recommend a back brace to help support the spine. A brace can help prevent injuries in people who lift heavy objects at work. But using these devices too much can weaken the muscles that support your spine and make the problem worse.

Alternative Names

Lumbar radiculopathy; Cervical radiculopathy; Herniated intervertebral disk; Prolapsed intervertebral disk; Slipped disk; Ruptured disk; Herniated nucleus pulposus

References
Jegede KA, Ndu A, Grauer JN. Contemporary management of symptomatic lumbar disc herniations. Orthop Clin North Am. 2010;41:217-224. Chou R, Atlas SJ, Stanos SP, Rosenquist RW. Nonsurgical interventional therapies for low back pain: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society clinical practice guideline. Spine. 2009;34(10):107893. Review.