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What's the difference between disc protrusion and herniation? 🧑🏻‍⚕️

protrusion

A disc protrusion is a common problem that can cause back, lumbar, or neck pain with or without radiation in the arms or legs.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from back pain, the pain of the century, you know how debilitating it can be. You may not be able to work or enjoy your favorite activities.

The herniated disc lumbar is the protrusion, extrusion or sequestration of the intervertebral disc from its usual anatomical location. 🩻

 

disc protrusion

It may result from normal aging or recent trauma and cause mechanical compression of the nerve root by herniated material or sensitization of the nerve root.

In the case of lumbar or cervical hernia, the clinical presentation may include symptoms of pain in the back and neck. neck with or without radiation in the leg or arm, sensory loss, paresthesias or muscle weakness, physical signs of localized sensitivity and reduced range of motion, radiculopathy (pain, sensory impairment, weakness and/or reduced reflex of a muscle group) with lower limb provocation test (such as the straight leg test).

Chiro Ste-Rose offers treatment for herniated discs and other forms of back pain, including sciatica, arm pain, numbness and muscle spasms, headaches radiating from neck pain, hip pain caused by lumbar spine dysfunction, capsulitis and shoulder dysfunction caused by problems in the dorsal and cervical spine, and even carpal tunnel syndrome or joint disorders such as jaw pain.

Chiropractors will perform an examination and establish an intervention plan as indicated. 📋

They will offer a variety of treatments, including manual therapy adjustments from gentle to more involved for all ages and conditions, decompression care, and more. a neuro-vertebral traction assist computer software that adjusts the traction force according to the patient's tension, increasing the effectiveness of herniated disc symptom relief while ensuring greater comfort for the patient.

Decompression, combined with manual therapy, significantly enhances the effectiveness of symptom relief and promotes a return to activities of daily living.

Let's see in this article how to differentiate between disc protrusions, back pain and a herniated disc.

 

What is the difference between protrusion and herniation?

 

The terms protrusion and herniated disc are confusing. Let's start with the basics.

In disc protrusion, the nucleus pulposus protrudes outward while the annulus fibrosus remains intact and the largest measurement of displaced disc material is less than the base measurement of displaced disc material.

Disc protrusion is a condition that many people are familiar with, as it can cause intense pain that radiates into your limbs, or even neuralgia.

The location of the lesion will determine which type of disc you have - back or neck - depending on where the inflammation occurs at any given time.

In addition, this condition can also lead to stiffness due to reflex muscle contractures and other symptoms such as shooting sensations to one side when walking after an accident.

When you have a protrusion, you may feel pressure on nearby nerves and this will cause pain, numbness and weakness in your back and legs.

In some cases, a protrusion may require rest and over-the-counter medication for relief. However, more severe cases may require surgery when conservative care is maximized.

A herniated disc occurs when the inner core breaks through the outer layer and becomes visible, when the gelatinous center of a disc between your vertebrae pops out.

This can happen if the outer layer of the disc ruptures suddenly or slowly over time. However, it is more likely to occur suddenly if an injury or accident causes the disc to rupture.

A herniation occurs when there is too much pressure in your spine and it causes small tears between the individual fibers that form the ring around the disc.

Extrusion can cause root symptoms.

The pulpy core extrudes through the fibrous ring while maintaining continuity with the disc, and the largest measure of displaced disc material is greater than the base measure of displaced disc material.

 

What is protrusion and its symptoms?

 

When you suffer from a disc protrusion in your back or neck, it can be difficult to determine exactly where the pain is coming from. The pain caused by a disc protrusion can range from mild to severe, but is most often the result of back or neck problems.

Discomfort often starts at a specific point, then radiates down the spine, depending on where that particular area is, into the space between two adjacent bones, called the intervertebral space.

In order to protect the nervous system, the musculature around the affected area can become tense, which explains why this type of problem can also make you stiffer than normal due to those reflex muscle contractures that occur when the nervous system is threatened.

Some muscles become too short and fibrous over time because they are constantly activated when a person has suffered injuries like this one.

disc protusion

 

What causes a disc protrusion?

 

Disc protrusions are often caused by factors such as age-related wear and tear, injury, pregnancy, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle such as prolonged sitting.

There are various treatments that can help, including exercise, chiropractic care, epidural steroid injections and surgery. These treatments will help you resume your normal activities.

A protrusion or hernia can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetics, age and injury. In many cases, symptoms are mild and may not require treatment.

However, if the inner core presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord, it can cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness such as a foot drop, or other more serious problems such as incontinence and problems related to reproductive system dysfunction.

There are a number of treatments for protrusions and herniated discs. Some people may need surgery to remove damaged disc tissue.

Others may need physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the spine or improve flexibility.

Many people find relief through medication and chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care offers more than relief, as it helps restore proper spinal function, promoting longer-term health and stability.

 

How does a disc protrusion evolve?

 

Facet joints that are misaligned or impeded in their normal movements may be at the root of this problem.

So always pay attention before things get worse! An examination of spinal biomechanics, with or without X-rays, is a simple and effective way of preventing premature aging of the spine.

It's crucial to check that the curves of the spine are well supported by the musculature surrounding the spine, to ensure proper maintenance and function.

A sedentary lifestyle combined with excess weight often contributes to the development of this preventable condition.

A poorly maintained spine can therefore lead to the formation of osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc dryness worsens over time, as spinal discs lose fluid and become compressed.

This would explain the pain, which may be accompanied by a reduced range of motion.

Treatment of a protruded disc may therefore include physical therapy, medication, conservative care such as decompression, adjustments, injections or surgery.

A disc protrusion can develop in several ways

  • The annulus fibrosus can weaken and tear over time due to age-related changes, injury or disease
  • When the fibrous ring tears, the nucleus pulposus (NP) can push through the opening.

NP is a jelly-like substance that helps cushion the spine and keeps the discs flexible. If NP comes into contact with nearby nerve roots, it can cause pain and other symptoms.

A disc protrusion is a herniated disc that can often cause back pain.

 

Here is an overview of how a lumbar disc protrusion can evolve:

 

Stage 1: In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. However, over time, affected discs may begin to shrink in size. 🕙

Stage 2: As the discs continue to shrink, they may lose their ability to absorb shock to the spine. This can lead to wear and tear on the vertebrae and the development of osteophytes, in short, osteoarthritis.

Stage III: In the final stage, the discs may be so compressed that they begin to collapse. This can cause the vertebrae to rub against each other, resulting in pain and inflammation and scoliosis. Treatment for a disc protrusion at this stage may include surgery to remove the damaged disc tissue. However, even in advanced stages of the disease, many patients benefit from significant relief through conservative care such as neurovertebral decompression with manual therapy and can regain a desired quality of life.

Disc protrusion can cause pain and other symptoms, but is often treated with rest and over-the-counter medication. However, this treatment does not help prevent future recurrences. ☝🏻

A herniated disc may require surgery to remove the damaged tissue, but the success rate is limited to around 50% for the absence of symptoms, and may lead to complications.

Physiotherapy can also help strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.

 

Can a herniated disc disappear?

 

The good news is that, in 90 % of cases, herniated disc symptoms disappear on their own within six months.

Your doctor may recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication and limiting activities that cause discomfort or rotation for a while, until the situation improves!

If you are still experiencing discomfort, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or another treatment strategy.

Surgery is generally not recommended unless the problem does not respond to treatment and the difficulty in moving increases over time.

However, in some cases, it may be appropriate for patients with spinal compression (such as osteoporosis).

In such cases, surgery can often rapidly improve symptoms, as it removes the narrowing causing the pain without aggravating the situation with other pathologies, such as arthritis.

Chronic low back problems are often best addressed through treatments such as physical therapy or chiropractic carewhich have proven effective in relieving most types of DPS (decompressionectomy) sciatica.

 

To treat or relieve a herniated disc by the chiropractic

Are you suffering from a herniated or protruded disc?

A herniated disc can be very painful, causing numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.

If you suffer from this type of pain, chiropractic care may be the solution for you. Chiropractic care is a treatment that uses manual manipulation to relieve pain and improve spinal function.

It is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions, including herniated discs in their various stages.

The care and chiropractic adjustments paired with decompression remain a safe and effective way to treat a herniated disc without surgery or medication. 💊

Chiropractors will team up with you to create a treatment plan that will help you relieve pain and improve function, while reducing your risk of recurrence and improving your quality of life.

If you are looking for a quality chiropractor in Laval (Ste-Rose), look no further. We offer top-notch care and services to help you get back on your feet.

 

Contact the team Chiro Ste. Rose today to schedule an appointment and start getting relief! We'll be happy to help you schedule a time that works for you to help you get on the road to recovery.

 

 

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