Causes, symptoms and consequences of dorsal hernia of the spine

Dorsal hernia of the intervertebral disc (diffuse) is a common disease of the spinal column in people aged 30-50 years, often developing against the background of existing pathologies of the skeletal system. The disease is a prolapse or partial protrusion of the intervertebral disc into the space of the spinal canal, resulting in compression of the elements of the spinal cord. Often, the disease develops in places of physiological bends of the column.

The vertebral column consists of a series of vertebrae that are interconnected by intervertebral discs. The latter play the role of not only a connecting link of the elements of the spine, but also give the column flexibility and strength. One of the main functions of discs is pressure damping. The disc consists of a peripheral and a central element. The first is represented by the connective tissue, and the second is the nucleus pulposus.

With prolonged exposure to strong pressure, the elements of the intervertebral discs “fall out” of their natural normal position and shift towards lower pressure, that is, into the space of the spinal column. Thus, the formation of a hernia occurs.

Reasons for the development of the disease

There are a fairly large number of factors provoking pathology:

Excess body weight . With increased mass, there is an increase in pressure on the spinal column, and consequently, the load on the intervertebral discs increases. This causes them to bulge.
Involutional (age-related) changes in the human body . The human body can function painlessly for the first 30-40 years. Next come regular age-related changes, including those of the bone and cartilage systems. In old age, the discs and their limiting factors are gradually destroyed, after which they can go beyond their working position.
Spinal injuries : direct blows, bad landings on the back.
Postponed back surgery.
Background diseases of the musculoskeletal system: osteochondrosis, osteoarthrosis.
Uncontrolled physical activity , due to which there is a constant destructive effect of pressure on the elements of the spine.
Hormonal diseases in which the metabolism of minerals in the body (usually calcium) is disturbed.
Bad habits of a person : frequent drinking, smoking, destructive addictions.

Dorsal disc herniation is a disease that most often develops as a result of several factors. Also, the determining cause of the occurrence of pathology can serve as a genetic predisposition.

Signs of pathology

The symptoms of the disease vary depending on the location. In most cases, a hernia is formed in the cervical and lumbar region, but protrusions can also form in the chest.

Manifestations of a hernia of the cervical region:

Chronic headache. The pain syndrome is aching and dull in nature.
Dizziness due to impaired circulation of the brain.
Disorders of skin perception (paresthesia): numbness of the fingers, dullness of tactile sensations.
Blurred vision and occasional tinnitus.
Increased systemic pressure.

Signs of a hernia of the lumbar:

The patient complains of severe pain in the lumbar region. This syndrome is called lumbago. Pain may increase during or after exertion on the back muscles. Unpleasant sensations may appear after a strong cough or sneeze.
Swelling in the legs and their fingers, also in these structures, the patient experiences a dullness of sensations.
Muscle spasms in the pelvis or buttocks.
The patient gets tired quickly when standing on his feet. Often changes positions.

Symptoms of a hernia at the level between the lumbar and sacral:

Sciatica (pain shootings). The pain spreads to the buttocks and the skin of the thighs. Next - to the legs.
Paresthesia of the legs.
Violation of the normal activity of the pelvic organs: violation of urination with a feeling of pain, decreased libido, sexual dysfunction.

Clinically, there are five different types of dorsal hernias. The first type is a diffuse dorsal hernia. It is characterized by damage to the entire intervertebral disc. Diffuse means diffuse, that is, certain boundaries for the development of a hernia are not defined.

The second type is median hernia, its characteristics are:

bulging is dangerous: among the consequences of this hernia, paralysis of the lower extremities or a complete loss of sensitivity are distinguished;
prolonged exposure to a hernia on the spinal cord provokes dysfunction of the internal organs and pelvic organs;

Paramedial hernia:

a protrusion forms closer to one side of the spinal canal; this can serve as a further curvature of the spinal column in the opposite direction from the hernia;
displacement of the hip joint; subsequently, such a violation leads to dysfunction of the pelvic organs.

Medial-paramedial:

this hernia is directed to one side of the spinal cord;
as complications may be disorders of urination or the act of defecation.

Foraminal hernia:

such a protrusion goes into the canal, from where the nerve roots of the spinal cord originate;
compression and long-term disruption of the outgoing roots.

Diagnostics

Timely diagnosis in the development of this type of hernia plays a crucial role: if the diagnosis is made the sooner, the more chances for a complete cure. Early diagnosis also makes it possible to avoid surgical intervention in the spinal column.

The study of the disease is carried out using magnetic resonance and computed tomography.

These methods allow to visualize the focus of pathology. With the help of such instrumental techniques, doctors can assess the condition of the hernia, its location, the likelihood of complications and adequately plan therapeutic measures.

Treatment

Conservative therapy is carried out by a neurologist or a specialist in the field of vertebrology. The treatment process consists in the regularity and consistency of all therapeutic measures.

The fight against pathology begins with the appointment of bed rest. At this stage, the doctor draws attention to the clinical picture of the disease and prescribes symptomatic treatment. First-line drugs are: ibuprofen, midokalm, nimesil. These are painkillers and relaxing back muscles. In the presence of a pronounced pain syndrome, it is advisable to prescribe novocaine blockade.

Next is the wearing of a bandage. The medical device does not cause discomfort or any other unpleasant sensations. The patient is advised to wear such a bandage for at least three hours a day.

After the elimination of the leading symptoms of the pathology, the specialist prescribes therapeutic exercises. A number of exercises will stop the development of protrusion, relieve pain. It is important to remember that gymnastic tasks should be performed under the supervision of a doctor.

Massotherapy. Massage is a fundamental component in relieving muscle spasms and blocks. Sessions can be carried out both at home and in clinics. It is important to trust massage only to a vertebrologist. Otherwise, in addition to the lack of a positive effect, there will be complications.

Surgery

This tactic is used when there is little or no effect from conservative therapy.

Treatment of a hernia with surgery is carried out by three methods:

laser therapy . The operation under a laser beam lasts no more than 10 minutes, has a number of positive effects, and prevents the development of complications. Such patients recover within a few days.
Laminectomy : tissue dissection, long healing, muscle weakening, increased likelihood of complications.
Microdiscectomy : surgery under a microscope, low tissue trauma, low risk of complications.

Complications and consequences

Dorsal median hernia, despite the effectiveness of treatment, still has a certain risk of adverse consequences. The main one is protrusion - the complete displacement of the nucleus pulposus, while the fibrous ring remains intact . This condition is manifested by chronic pain, severe backache, a serious deterioration in sensitivity, weakening of the muscles and possible curvature of the spine. Also, the consequences include pinching of the spinal cord, leading to paralysis. Such a complication can make the patient disabled.