The spinal cord is very important because they hold the nerves from the brain. These nerves travel between the vertebrae to relay messages to all parts of the body. The spinal cord is made up of many..
The spinal cord is very important because they hold the nerves from the brain. These nerves travel between the vertebrae to relay messages to all parts of the body. The spinal cord is made up of many bones called vertebrae. Between vertebrae are discs made up of strong rubber-like tissues. These discs are quite flexible and they in turn impart flexibility to the motion of the spinal cord. Strong ligaments of the vertebrae provide additional support and strength to the spine. A disc contains a soft material called nucleus pulposus enclosed in a strong layer of outer fibres. A disc prolapse refers to the process of rupturing of the nucleus, when there is an injury to the outer fibres. The soft material of the nucleus then enters the spinal nerves or the spinal canal. This process may either occur gradually over a long period of time or happen suddenly.
The symptoms of disk prolapse depend on the area of the nerve affected in the injury. The symptoms that can occur with disc prolapsed include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Loss of control of bladder
- Loss of control of bowels
- Impotence in men
- Numbness or ‘pins and needles’ in both arms and legs
- Pain in the shoulders
- Pain in the buttocks
- Weakness in the arms and legs
Disc prolapse occurs due to building up of excessive pressure in the spinal cord. It usually occurs in the lumbar spine or the lower back, in cervical spine or neck and rarely in thoracic spine or mid-back region.
Some causes of disc prolapsed could be:
- Landing on your buttocks when you fall from significant heights
- Bending forward and lifting very heavy objects
- Weakening of outer fibers due to repetitive minor injuries that accumulate
- over time and age factor
- Twisting and pivoting at awkward angles
You could be at a risk of disc prolapse if you:
- Have a job that requires you to lift heavy weights
- Have anatomical abnormalities
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Degenerative conditions
- Family history of disc prolapsed
- Participation in high-impact sports
Disc prolapse can be prevented by:
- Decreasing the stress on the spine
- Reducing the body weight if you are obese
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding activities that could be risky and hazardous for
- Improving your posture when you sit, stand, walk and sleep
Our superspecialist doctors provide the highest quality of care through a team-based, doctor-led model. Trained at some of the world's most renowned institutions, our highly experienced doctors are distinguished experts in their respective specialities. Our doctors work full-time and exclusively across Medanta hospitals. In addition to offering superspecialised care in their own field, the Medanta organisational structure enables every doctor to help create a culture of collaboration and multispecialty care integration.
Our superspecialist doctors provide the highest quality of care through a team-based, doctor-led model. Trained at some of the world's most renowned i..... Continue Reading
