disc protrusion

Protrusive Disc Disease: Definition and Management

If you are one of the many people who suffer from protrusive disc disease, you know how debilitating it can be.

This affection is caused by a collapsed disc and extended, which protrudes into the Spinal canal. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arms or legs.

In this blog post, we will discuss the definition and management of protrusive disc disease. We will also give you tips to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

Protrusive disc disease: Definition

La protrusive disc disease is a disorder of the discs located between two vertebrae of the spine. Protrusive disc disease is when a disc collapses and spreads, protruding into the lumbar canal or cervical (depending on the level reached).

disc protrusion2 protrusive discopathy

It can in particular cause pain, numbness or weakness in the affected area (upper limb for cervical damage, and lower limb for lumbar damage).

La protrusive disc disease is most commonly seen in middle-aged adults, but it can also occur in young adults and children.

Degenerative disc disease: Definition

The Ddegenerative ischopathy is a medical condition characterized by the deterioration of intervertebral discs. These discs are responsible for the cushioning and separation of the vertebrae, as well as the mobility of the latter.

disc protrusion protrusive discopathy

It occurs when the discs begin to deteriorate, causing less cushioning and support. This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

Difference Between Protrusive Disc Disease and Degenerative Disc Disease

La disc disease protrusive is a condition in which intervertebral discs sag and grow. This can lead to a pressure on nerves and pain in the lower back.

La degenerative disc disease, on the other hand, is a condition in which the intervertebral discs deteriorate. The disc may thin out and become less able to cushion the spine.

degenerative disc disease at the L4-L5 level

Both of these conditions can be diagnosed using imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.

What is the connection between protrusive disc disease and disc protrusion?

La protrusive disc disease is a affection in which the intervertebral discs become rigid and difficult to move. As a result, the discs are "pushed" and "squashed", causing a bulge of disk.

intervertebral disc anatomy showing disc protrusion

This bulge can cause pain and stiffness in the back, as well as numbness and tingling in the extremities (hands et toes). In severe cases, it can also lead to paralysis. The disc protrusion is a similar condition, but it occurs when there is a regular bulge of the entire surface of the intervertebral disc.

It can also cause pain and stiffness, but it is not usually associated with paralysis. The protrusive disc disease and disc protrusion are both ailments serious which can cause pain and significant disability.

Causes of protrusive disc disease?

Several factors can be at the origin of a protrusive disc diseaseIncluding:

disc protrusion diagnosed by medical imaging (MRI)
  • Age-related wear: As we age, our discs begin to degenerate. This can lead to disc collapse and the formation of protrusions.
  • Injury : A traumatic lesion of the spine can lead to sag and protrusion of discs.
  • obesity : Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on the spine, which can lead to sagging and protrusion of the discs.
  • Poor Posture: Poor posture puts extra pressure on the spine, which can lead to slouching and disc protrusion.
  • Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis or spondylosis: These diseases lead to the rupture and collapse of the discs between the vertebrae. This results in a pressure on spinal cord or nerves, which can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness.
  • Birth defects: Birth defects, such as a small spinal canal, can cause a protrusion of the discs.

La protrusive disc disease is a relatively common condition, which often requires no treatment. However, in some cases it can be quite debilitating.

If you think you are suffering from protrusive disc disease, it is important to consult a doctor so that he can diagnose and treat your illness.

What are the symptoms of protrusive disc disease?

La protrusive disc disease is indicated by low back pain (pain in the lower back), or even sciatic pain in the thighs and legs; neck pain (pain in the cervical spine), neck pain radiating to the shoulders, arms with a path defined according to the affected disc and nerve root.

man with inflammatory low back pain

The nervousness of pain or symptoms that indicate a protrusive disc disease usually start with a numbness, followed by tingling which, if left untreated, can lead to muscle weakness.

Most of the time, it only affects one side of the body.

Treatment: How to treat protrusive disc disease?

There are many options for managing the protrusive disc disease. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and improve quality of life. Options include:

  • Physiotherapy (physiotherapy)
  • Osteopathy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage therapy
  • Acupuncture
  • Physical exercise
  • Infiltration
  • surgery

Physical therapy is often the first treatment for protrusive disc disease. The physiotherapy (physiotherapy) can help strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve range of motion. Osteopathic or chiropractic care may also be helpful in managing symptoms.

What about natural remedies?

Although they are not supported by solid scientific evidence, several natural products and home remedies are used to treat pain related to protrusive disc disease, in particular for their anti-inflammatory power. It is essential to consult a doctor beforehand, mainly to avoid drug interactions and side effects.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of plants and essential oils that are effective in controlling pain and inflammation. The products are available on the site Country. Use promo code LOMBAFIT15 if you wish to obtain one of the following products, or any remedy aimed at relieving your symptoms and improving your quality of life:

  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Omega-3s. Omega-3s 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. Sciatica, being most often linked to an inflammation secondary to a herniated disc, it can also respond to omega-3 provided it is consumed regularly. 
  • Lemon eucalyptusEucalyptus 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.
  • 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.

Remember that these products do not replace medical treatment. Do not hesitate to consult for support adapted to your condition.

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