Disc overflow: what to do? (natural causes and treatments)

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Le disc overhang is a common form of deterioration of intervertebral disc. It can cause neck and back pain. How to recognize the disc overhang ? What are its causes ? What are the possible treatments to cure it? Find all the answers in this article.

What is disc protrusion: definition and anatomy

disc overhang, also referred to as disc protrusion, is a condition of the spine which corresponds to the overflow of the intervertebral disc outside its housing.

As a reminder, spine consists of 33 vertebrae whose :

  • 24 vertebrae mobile: 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae;
  • and 9 fused vertebrae: 5 sacral vertebrae (sacrum) and 4 coccygeal vertebrae (coccyx).

Between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs (DIV). Each consists of a fibrous ring with a gelatinous core in the center.

The roles of intervertebral discs consist of absorbing the tensions suffered by the vertebrae during walking, jumping, carrying or lifting objects...

Difference Between Disc Overhang and Herniated Disc

With age, all parts of the body change, including the components of the spine. Discs become dehydrated and lose their elasticity. This weakens the disc and makes it more vulnerable. This is also the reason why our size decreases as we age.

First, we observe a natural weakening then a disc overhang. The latter occurs in particular following the crushing of the intervertebral disc. His core thus begins to offset in the spine. Sometimes the projections may even extend all around the circumference of the disk. We then speak of circumferential disc overhang.

As the disc deteriorates, it becomes bulging. The inner core of the disc moves further around the circumference of the disc beyond its normal parameters. It then pushes the outer layer of the disc, called fibrous ring, creating a bulge. It is said that a bulging disc involves more than half (more than 180 degrees) of the disk circumference.

Finally, the last step is the tearing of the outer wall of the disc. It causes the flow of the gelatinous nucleus which will cause a irritation (or compression) in the spinal nerves and spinal cord. This is called the herniated disc.

To know everything about herniated disc, see the following article.

It is important to remember that doctors may use terms like bulging disc, disc protrusion et protrusive disc herniation interchangeably. You can therefore ask for clarification if these terms are discussed during your diagnostic.

Cervical disc overhang

Within the spine, the cervical section (the neck, also called cervical spine) from spine supports the weight of your head. It allows the head to tilt forward and backward, side to side, and rotate 180 degrees in rotation.

Un cervical disc overhang occurs when disc material protrudes at a cervical disc. This can affect or even compress a spinal nerve. It is characterized by neck pain or arms, sometimes associated with numbness to tingling.

Lumbar disc overhang

Un disc overhang occurs most often in the lower back, at the level of the lumbar vertebrae. It is sometimes called bulging disc, projecting, broken Or just lumbar disc overhang. It is one of most common causes de lower back pain as well as leg pain or sciatica ».

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Disc Overhang

Pain in the cervical region (neck)

A protruding disc irritates the nerves from the neck area, you may feel this pain in the neck itself. But you can also feel:

Pain in the chest area (middle of the back)

Un disc overhang usually does not affect the thoracic region. However, when this happens, a protruding disc, bomb ou hernia peut compress nearby nerve roots or even the spinal cord herself. We then speak of back hernia.

La spinal cord compression is a medical emergency which can lead to much more severe symptoms such as :

  • la paraplegia;
  • thebowel or bladder incontinence.

La nerve root compression can cause a range of symptoms similar to those of sciatica. Symptoms can include:

  • chest pain,
  • leg pain,
  • pins and needles in the legs,
  • numbness of the feet and toes.

Pain in the lumbar region (lower back)

When a protruding disc impinges on the nerves in the lower back region, it is commonly called sciatica. Symptoms of sciatica can cause:

  • of pain in the lower back;
  • pain from back to legs, the buttocks, the thigh, Calf and feet;
  • of pins and needles and numbness;
  • a joint stiffness and loss of lumbar mobility.

Leg pain is often more intense than back pain and can get worse when you are sitting for long periods or when long walks. Lying down often relieves the pain.

Un disc overhang unusually large can compress the ponytail: a nerve root group just below the end of the spinal cord. This condition called cauda equina syndrome, although rare, is very serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Properly diagnosing a protruding disc lies on the detailed medical history. Also, doctors pay great attention to symptoms, as they play an essential role in the diagnostic. After one detailed study of the signs, further investigation such as IRM or an computed tomography may be necessary for confirm the diagnosis of disc protrusion.

Common causes of disc protrusion

Degenerative disc disease

A condition associated with spondylosis, most of the protruding discs are associated with degenerative conditions that occur naturally with age. These leave the discs more prone to damage and herniation for the following reasons:

  • the bones begin to lose their density;
  • soft tissues become dehydrated and lose their water content and elasticity (muscles, tendons, ligaments and intervertebral discs)

To know everything about the degenerative disc disease and its support, see the following article.

Poor posture and repetitive movements

Over a long period, a unsuitable posture can contribute to a variety of complaints related to pain, including damage to intervertebral discs. These conditions relate to:

  • the long periods of sitting: office jobs or regular long-distance driving;
  • the repetitive movements such as continually lifting heavy objects;
  • the intense exercises such as poorly executed weightlifting, etc.

Trauma or injury

The injuries caused by an accident can also break or fracture the vertebrae. This usually leads to thedisc damage causing them to protrude or resulting in a herniated or protruding disc.

Obesity

Un excess weight extreme can put a strain on the whole body, including the intervertebral discs.

How to treat disc overhang?

Conservative treatment

Le conservative treatment is usually the first step in managing a protruding disc, as symptoms usually improve within a few weeks.

Le conservative treatment involves a combination of painkillers, physiotherapy (physiotherapy), bed rest if necessary. To these is added all cognitive psychological treatment which may be needed to help you cope with pain and adapt your lifestyle Consequently.

Alternative treatments

Although not supported by solid scientific evidence, several alternative treatments are used to relieve symptoms and treat disc protrusion. Among the methods used are:

There are also products and accessories available in the market. Although they do not necessarily treat the cause of the disc overhang, they can relieve pain and provide a feeling of well-being in the short term.

Acupressure Kit Acupressure Mat Cushion - Massage Ball + Pillow + Bag Relieve Back and Neck Pain Muscle Relaxation Acupuncture Post Sport Recovery Anti Stress
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Six Wheel Cervical Massager,Two Massage Point Neck Massager,Compression Neck Massager Deeply Massages The Neck For Pain Relief, Ideal For Home Office
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  • Less Effort: This portable massager has a longer handle and uses the principle of leverage, which is more comfortable and less labor intensive. Compared to direct massage with the hands, less than 1/4 of the force is needed. Enjoy relaxation without feeling tired at the same time. When you squeeze the handle, the strength of the force is controllable.

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  • Neurovertebral decompression is a key element in the treatment of back pain such as herniated discs, bulging discs, sciatic pain, disc degeneration and osteoarthritis. Vertebral decompression is a principle increasingly used in the treatment of back pain (sciatic nerve stuck, disc pinching, scoliosis, compression of the vertebrae or low back pain).
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Pain management clinics

It is a multidisciplinary team of health professionals in pain management specializing in conditions associated with Chronic Pain. The team generally includes the following stakeholders:

  • pain management consultants ;
  • of physiotherapists (physiotherapists) ;
  • surgeons ;
  • psychologists ;
  • and other health professionals.

They work together to design an individual program tailored to different patient needs. With the combined use of painkillers, physiotherapy, psychological support and surgery if needed, pain management clinics can not only help improve symptoms, but also help the patient to adapt to his lifestyle. This is important to help her cope with the effects of chronic pain and to encourage her to embrace and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

To learn more about pain centers, see the following article.

surgery

If symptoms persist for longer and conservative treatments have failed to improve symptoms, some of the following may be an option:

  • disc fusion surgery (lumbar arthrodesis);
  • la microdiscectomy : to remove protruding disc material;
  • le prosthetic intervertebral disc replacement (disc prosthesis) can be used in some cases like in treatment of degenerative disc disease ;
  • conventional open surgery.

It should be noted that surgery is rarely indicated in cases of disc overhang. Indeed, it is used more when the disc protrusion is more important, and causes significant neurological symptoms (as in the presence of symptomatic disc herniation).

Besides, there is no guarantee of the success of the surgery and there are also associated risks involved. These will be discussed with the attending physician.

What about natural remedies?

Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to treat various body pains, especially for their anti-inflammatory power.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation:

  • Turmeric : Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers very powerful, turmeric is one of the most used plants in a culinary and therapeutic context. The composition of turmeric is essentially made of essential oils, vitamins (B1, B2, B6, C, E, K) and trace elements. But it is to its composition rich in curcumin and curcuminoids that we owe them and calm skin of this spice.
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  • Ginger : In addition to the special flavor it brings to the kitchen and its aphrodisiac properties, ginger is a root well known for its anti-inflammatory powers. THE gingerol gives it its anti-inflammatory action. It is an active component acting on the inflammatory pain related to chronic joint inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rheumatic diseases, etc. It has been proven that this active element is also effective in acting on the inflammation linked to arthritis and sciatica. Ginger also has other benefits thanks to its high potassium content and its richness in trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) and vitamins (provitamin and vitamin B9).
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  • Omega-3s : Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fatty acids that play a very important role in the functioning of our body. They are provided by food in three natural forms: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Beyond their action on the brain and the cardiovascular system, omega-3s prove very effective against inflammation. Indeed, they have the ability to act on the inflammatory mechanisms in osteoarthritis by slowing down cartilage destruction, thus they reduce the intensity of osteoarthritis pain. Since sciatica is most often linked to inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3s if you consume them regularly. 

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  • Lemon eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a plant most often used in the form of herbal tea or essential oil. She would have anti-inflammatory effects which give it the ability to act on the bone and joint pain in general and the pain of sciatica in particular.
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  • wintergreen : Wintergreen is a shrub from which a very interesting essential oil is extracted. It is one of the most used essential oils in aromatherapy. This oil extracted from the shrub bearing the same name, is used in massage to relieve sciatica and act like a analgesic. Indeed, it provides a heating effect thanks to its ability toactivate blood circulation locally.
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Are you looking for solutions to relieve your pain?

Discover the opinion of our team of health professionals on various products available on the market (posture, sleep, physical pain), as well as our recommendations.

References

http://195.162.164.191/WebIrs3/RTF/2006%20B%206%20HERNIES%20DISCALES%20ATYPIQUES.PDF

https://www.santemagazine.fr/sante/maladies/maladies-des-os-et-des-articulations/mal-de-dos/quelles-nouvelles-techniques-pour-soigner-une-hernie-discale-431432

https://www.lesmauxdedos.com/blog/debord-discal-definition-traitement/

https://www.doctissimo.fr/sante/mal-de-dos/mal-de-dos-la-maladie-du-siecle/fissure-discale

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