Disc bulge

Disc bulge

During everyday movements and stresses, the disc loses water and by the evening our height may be 1-2 cm less than in the morning. At night, during rest, the disc is ‘refilled’ with fluid, regenerates and increases in size.

As the years go by, this regenerative capacity decreases, and with the process of ‘wear and tear’, smaller and larger cracks may appear on the outer ring of the disc, which lead to the protrusion of the inner disc.Certain unfavourable movements, such as sudden twisting or bending, lead to small injuries of the disc, the fibrous ring breaks, its continuity is interrupted and the inner gelatinous substance is dislodged, which is called a herniated disc. Depending on the surrounding tissue that is under pressure from the bulge, symptoms may vary.

The process starts from around the age of 30 and intensifies if the disc is under constant high or misaligned stress. The pressure may be confined to the nerve roots exiting between the vertebrae or may extend directly to the spinal cord. This process can result in local and radiating pain, loss of function, paralysis, numbness in the area innervated by the nerve. A detailed imaging study, such as an MRI scan, is recommended for an accurate diagnosis. Conservative treatment of disc herniation is carried out by an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist and neurologist, while surgery is performed by neurosurgeons. At the onset of symptoms, it is recommended to lie on a hard surface and then see a specialist. Treatment suggestions include medication, physiotherapy, spinal exercises and, in the last resort, surgery.

Investigation: orthopaedic specialist, rheumatologist specialist, neurologist specialist

Therapy: orthopaedic specialist, rheumatologist specialist, neurosurgeon specialist, physiotherapist-physiotherapist.