In the case of a herniated disc (lat. prolapsus nuclei pulposi, discus prolapse), parts of the spinal column protrude into the spinal nerve or spinal cord canal. The annulus fibrosus and the posterior longitudinal ligament rupture completely, unlike the disc protusion, the protrusion.
Most affected vertebrae are located in the lumbar region; cervical and thoracic vertebrae are less commonly affected. The average age of onset is 40 years.
The specialists at the Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost will be happy to provide you with a medical consultation. Take advantage of our wealth of experience in the field of orthopedics and feel free to make an appointment with us!
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Herniated discs in the cervical spine can pinch nerve roots and cause arm pain, numbness or paralysis as a result.
Gait disturbances and other serious neurological dysfunctions occur when the herniated disc presses on the spinal cord (myelopathy). Depending on the symptoms and localization of the herniated disc, various treatment options can be considered: microsurgical operations, disc replacement surgery, invasive pain therapy
Herniated discs in the lumbar spine can pinch nerve roots and as a result cause pain in the buttocks and leg, numbness or paralysis. Very large herniated discs or awkward positions may even cause bladder or bowel dysfunction. Depending on the symptoms and location of the herniated disc, various treatment options can be considered: microsurgical operations, disc replacement surgery and invasive pain therapy.
Herniated discs in the thoracic spine are very rare. There is pain along the rib. Paralysis is not expected. Pain in the thoracic spine is usually caused by muscular or joint problems.
A herniated disc can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the exact location of the herniation. The intervertebral disc represents the connection between the vertebrae of our spine. There are a total of 23 intervertebral discs, which are responsible for the mobility of our spine. Without the intervertebral discs, we would not be able to move.
In principle, intervertebral discs are like small buffers or shock absorbers. Accidents or age-related wear processes can cause the intervertebral discs to wear out over time. Flexibility decreases and a herniated disc occurs.
Herniated discs are usually associated with severe pain, sensory disturbances and limitations in mobility. A disc prolapse can occur in different areas of the spine, such as the cervical spine (C-spine) or lumbar spine (LS). More rarely, there is a prolapse of the thoracic spine (BWS). The doctors at our Orthopedic Center Munich East can put together the right therapy concept for a herniated disc that is individually tailored to you.
Prolapse can have various causes, which do not necessarily have to be related only to age-related wear and tear. Even young people can already have a herniated disc or several herniated discs. The cause is usually overload or incorrect loading during certain types of work. Other reasons for a nucleos pulposus (herniated disc) include:
Various risk factors can also cause a herniated disc, such as being overweight or not getting enough exercise in everyday life.
What exactly is the structure of the intervertebral discs?
If you look at the spine, the intervertebral discs are found between the individual vertebrae. They are flexible, but still firmly anchored to the vertebral bodies. An intervertebral disc consists of two parts: Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus is the gelatinous nucleus, which is located inside the disc. This gelatinous core is enclosed by a fibrous ring, medically known as the annulus fibrosus.
The intervertebral discs, thanks to their special structure, are able to absorb moisture and various minerals. These can then be gradually released to relieve the spine under load.
If you look at the spine, the intervertebral discs are found between the individual vertebrae. They are flexible, but still firmly anchored to the vertebral bodies. An intervertebral disc consists of two parts: Nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus. The nucleus pulposus is the gelatinous nucleus, which is located inside the disc. This gelatinous core is enclosed by a fibrous ring, medically known as the annulus fibrosus.
The intervertebral discs, thanks to their special structure, are able to absorb moisture and various minerals. These can then be gradually released to relieve the spine under load.
A herniated disc in the thoracic, cervical or lumbar regions can cause pressure on the nerve roots. This is due to the special structure of the spine, because the nerve roots emerge exactly between the spinal cord. An anterior disc can press on a nerve root. Typical herniated disc symptoms in this case are:
As a rule, this type of herniated disc occurs in the lumbar region. The thoracic spine is rather rarely affected. Should the pressure occur on the nerve roots in the thoracic spine, it manifests itself in severe back pain. In the area of the cervical spine, the pain radiates into the arms and can also lead to symptoms of failure.
The symptoms of a herniated disc, which presses on the spinal cord, are similar to the symptoms mentioned above. However, there are also decisive differences, which are particularly noticeable in the case of a severe herniated disc. This includes numbness in the anal area and the genital area can also be affected. The bladder and bowel are severely limited in their ability to function. If these symptoms occur with a herniated disc, you must immediately visit our Orthopedic Center Munich East.
A herniated disc can also press on what is called the horse’s tail. This is located at the lowest end of the spine and extends to the sacrum. If there is any pressure in this area, you will usually not be able to control your bowels and bladder at all. Accompanying paralysis occurs in the area of the legs. In this case, too, you must immediately place yourself under the care of the doctors.
However, there are also herniated disc symptoms that cannot be clearly assigned to the spine at the beginning. They are non-specific and so different from the normal back pain. Pain in the legs or numbness in the arms do not always have to be symptoms of a herniated disc and originate from the disc tissue. Sciatica, a pinched sciatic nerve, can also cause back pain. This makes a thorough diagnosis so important.
Before the treatment of a herniated disc can begin, a comprehensive diagnosis is essential. In an initial consultation, you will describe your symptoms to us and provide information about any previous illnesses, accidents or herniated discs in your family. A careful medical history is important to rule out other diseases.
This is followed by a neurological examination, during which particular attention is paid to sensory disturbances and reflexes. Your muscle strength is also tested in this context, because a herniated disc often also leads to a weakening of the muscles. Other diagnostic procedures that can be used before a possible disc surgery:
In the case of a herniated disc, conservative and surgical measures are available for therapy. As a rule, a herniated disc can be treated very well with conservative methods. The choices are:
If conservative therapy has no effect, surgery may be considered. The herniated disc is surgically removed to relieve pressure on the nerve endings.
