❶ Vertebral Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

A vertebral hernia is the most common manifestation of osteochondrosis. It can occur even in relatively young people, but is most often seen in patients over 50. At a young age, the pain from a hernia that occurs after physical exertion or an uncomfortable position of the body during work is rather moderate and quickly passes, therefore, the symptoms of the disease are often ignored when starting it. Location: Location: The vertebrae are separated from each other by an intervertebral disc, which consists of the nucleus pulposus pulposus and the surrounding fibrous annulus fibrosus. This structure of the discs allows them to act as shock absorbers, which protects the vertebrae from damage and ensures the mobility of the spine. Over time, the fluid content in the discs decreases, the fibrous rings become less elastic,cracks may appear in them. Fragments of the nucleus pulposus of the disc flow into these cracks, as a result of which a vertebral hernia is formed.

The intervertebral disc is deformed and there is a danger of pinching the nerve endings. Because of this, a person begins to experience a variety of uncomfortable sensations, starting with tension and numbness in the area of the body adjacent to the damaged vertebra, ending with severe pain. In the most severe cases, a vertebral hernia leads to disability. A hernia can form not only due to natural age-related changes in tissues, but also due to a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, excessive physical activity, etc.

The most common hernia of the lumbosacral region of the spine, since it is this part of the spine that bears the main load. Hernias of the thoracic and cervical spines are much less common. But since the cervical vertebrae are the smallest in size, a neglected cervical hernia quickly leads to the patient's disability, so it must be treated immediately after detection. Delay is unacceptable here. If a person begins to experience frequent dizziness, headaches that radiate to the shoulder or arm, numbness of the fingers (characteristic symptoms of a hernia of the cervical spine), it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible.

In most cases, herniated discs are treated with anti-inflammatory therapy. The doctor's task is to choose the most effective drug in the optimal dosage. In addition to the main treatment, physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy procedures are prescribed - massage, acupuncture, etc. Sometimes the patient is prescribed corticosteroids. Surgical intervention is rarely used, only in the most severe cases, when the therapeutic treatment of the hernia has been unsuccessful.