Disk herniation means herniation of the nucleus pulposus through the annular fibrosus. Most herniation takes place in the lumbar area of the spine. The next frequent herniation is occurred in the neck.

Intervertebral disc herniation is a condition in which part of the soft, gelatinous nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is protruded through a weakened part of the annulus, resulting in back pain and leg pain.

Disc herniation occurs more frequently in 30~40 aged people, especially those involved in strenuous physical activity. However, the frequency in 10 or 20 aged is increasing in these days. And these disc may herniate from trauma, especially if degenerative changes have occurred in the involved disc.

Causes and risk factors

It has been known that disc herniation may occur by natural degeneration as growing older. Human spine is imposed on a heavy burden through lack of exercise, obesity by supernutrition, lack of exercise and so forth.

Most frequent risk factor is lumbar sprain by lifting heavy material in the house or the office. In case of women, the bending activity such as lifting baby is predisposing factor.

Besides, lumbago can occur with poor carriage of posture in some people who keep standing or sitting continuously. Safe work and exercises, proper lifting techniques, and weight control may help to prevent back problems.

Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Herniation

Major symptoms of lumbar disc herniation are lumbago and radicular pain in legs.

Radicular pain can be expressed as like "pins and needles in legs" etc.

Under pressure of nerve root, patients feel radicular pain in buttock and legs when they bend their body. And also by cough, the patients can feel pain.

If the spinal nerve root is pressed by protruded disc, leg pain appear.

Symptoms of Cervical Disc Herniation

In the early stage, patients feel pain when they move the neck. But in advanced case, neck pain accompany with arm numbness. Some time later, when nerve root is pressured markedly, the pain will increase in shoulder and arms than neck.

It may occur in every age group. This is closely concerned in trauma. On the other hand, in case of induration, it is usually chronic and it may occur in more 40 aged, 50~60 aged people.

Cervical disc herniation is more risky than lumbar disc herniation, because cervical disc herniation can cause parapelgia or paralysis. Paralysis is progressed acutely in case of disk rapture or slight trauma, but usually the paralysis is progressed slowly, little by little.

Patients who have paralysis must be operated as soon as possible for complete cure.