It's the middle of the night and you can't sleep because you feel a sharp pain in the back. You manage to doze off for a few minutes, but the pain wakes you up again.
You start wondering if you have a pinched disc. Is that bad ? In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and treatment options disc pinching as well as educating you about the magnitude of ailments this can have on your body.
Contents
Vertebral disc impingement: Definition
Le disc pinching occurs when the rubbery discs between the vertebrae of your spine are pushed out of place and begin to exert pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the back, neck, or legs (depending on the location of the pinch).
The discs act like shock absorbers for your spine, and when they start to deteriorate, they can't do their job as well.
This is what causes pinching. Age, injuries and wear and tear from heavy use of the spine (for example, if you have a physically demanding work) can all contribute to this problem.
Causes and symptoms of spinal disc pinching
Un pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissue puts too much pressure on a nerve. This pressure can cause irritation, inflammation and even damage to the nerve.
The pinch of a intervertebral disc is a type of pinched nerve that occurs in the spine. The spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by cushions (intervertebral discs). These discs act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to move freely.
However, if one of these discs is damaged or deteriorates, it can put pressure on nearby nerves. This pressure can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
In severe cases, it can also lead to paralysis. If you think you have a spinal disc narrowing, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend treatment options.
A number of conditions can cause a pinched nerve, including:
- A hernia discal : A herniated disc is a common cause of spinal disc impingement. This happens when the inner core of the disc breaks through the outer layer. This can put pressure on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Disc disease degenerative : This is a condition that occurs when the intervertebral discs deteriorate over time. This can lead to increased pressure on the nerves and cause pain, numbness and weakness.
- Stenosis spinal (narrow lumbar canal) : The spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces in the spine narrow. This can put pressure on the nerves and cause pain, numbness and weakness.
- Sciatica : Sciatica is a type of pinched nerve that occurs in the lower back. It is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back to the feet. This can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the affected area.
Prognosis: Is it serious?
As stated earlier, a large majority of the population will experience herniated disc at some point in his life. It is not a very serious injury, and it is usually only symptomatic in older people. In most cases, the injury heals on its own and causes no further problems.
The prognosis of a pinch of vertebral disc depends on the severity of the injury. If the nerve is affected but the associated inflammatory process is mild, the prognosis is generally good, and full recovery is possible. Conversely, if the spinal cord is compressed, the prognosis is more serious.
Spinal Cord Compression
If the injury is not treated properly, it can lead to nerve damage permanent or paralysis. In extreme cases, it can even be lifelong disabling.
However, with proper treatment and care, the vast majority of people with a herniated or narrowed disc fully recover.
When spinal cord compression occurs, it can lead to a number of serious diseases and conditions, including:
- Paralysis – This is the most serious consequence of spinal cord compression. If the cord is compressed for a prolonged period, it can lead to permanent paralysis
- Epileptic seizures – Epileptic seizures can occur if the compression affects the brain
- Bowel and bladder incontinence – Damage to the nerve fibers that control these functions can lead to loss of bladder or bowel control
- Cardiac arrest – If the compression touches the heart, it can cause cardiac arrest
These are just a few of the potential consequences spinal cord compression. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
The nerve pinch
When nerves are pinched (or irritated), it can lead to a number of complications. The most common complication is radiating pain. Here are its characteristics:
- The pain can be sharp, dazzling or burning.
- She may be intermittent or constant.
- She may be light or intense.
- In some cases, the pain may be so intense that it interferes with activities
- Other common complications are numbness, tingling and weakness.
In extreme cases, the pinching of nerves can lead to the rupture of the nerve in question, which will lead to paralysis.
Un pinching of the nerves no treaty can cause permanent nerve damage. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treatment of Disc Narrowing: What to do?
The first step of disc narrowing treatment, and more specifically of the C5-C6 disc is to consult a doctor or a physiotherapist (physiotherapist).
They will likely recommend a combination of medication and physical therapy (physiotherapy) or alternative therapies. Medications can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with this condition.
Mediafixer alternative therapies, such as suction cups, acupuncture or acupressure, can also be recommended for their effectiveness observed empirically, although they are not demonstrated by several scientific evidences. Physical therapy (physiotherapy) or osteopathy can help strengthen muscles and improve range of motion in the affected area.
In some rare cases, a neck brace or corset (lumbar belt) can also be prescribed on a temporary basis. Treatment usually lasts from several weeks to several months. With proper treatment, most people can recover from a disc pinch C5-C6 and resume normal activities.
The benefits of the acupressure mat
Le acupressure mat is an alternative tool for the treatment of disc narrowing. It helps relieve pain and inflammation, reduce swelling and improve mobility.
The acupressure mat is also effective for the treatment of chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, although its effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
One of the advantage of acupressure mat is that it is easy to use (it can be used at home). It is also portable, making it easy to carry when traveling. The acupressure mat is a non-invasive treatment with no side effects.
My name is Yasser Dib. I am a health and medical writer. By combining my solid scientific knowledge with the mastery of web writing, I highlight the right information while making it accessible to all. My goal is to ensure that people have access to the latest and most accurate information when it comes to their health.
