Herniated Nucleus Pulposus and Anatomy

Herniated nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc includes that developed a tear or crack in the outer wall (annulus fibrosus), which then allows the fluid to the inner disc (nucleus pulposus) to seep through her tears. This condition is often referred to simply as a herniated disc or disc prolapse. Understanding the composition of the intervertebral disks and their role in maintaining the structural integrity of the spine will provide a clearer picture of how and why the hernia nucleus pulposus may have adverse effects on the entire body.
There are about 24 drives the human spine, each of which separates the two adjacent vertebrae. Disks act as ligaments connecting the vertebrae, and they also give the flexibility of the spine. Their main goal, however, to absorb shock and stress that the spine is subjected to daily. The unique structure of drives allows them to play these different roles. Nucleus pulposus has a gelatinous consistency and contains mostly water, protein and collagen. It is contained in the fibrous ring of walls, which consists of 20 layers of tough fibrous cartilage. However, the inner matrix and a strong outer wall of a structure under high pressure, a bit like inflated inner tube, which can withstand the stress of still being flexible.
Causes Herniated nucleus pulposus
Intervertebral discs are designed to withstand years of wear and tear of our lives. However, like any other part of our body, they tend to deteriorate over time. Just as people lose their elasticity as they get older, the elasticity of disks "is also reduced due to dehydration and loss of collagen - in a sense, the" inner tube "is beginning to deflate. When this happens, the disc may bulge on one side or can develop a crack that allows nucleus pulposus to leak.
The aging process, although the main cause of herniated nucleus pulposus, it is not the only way this condition can develop. Other factors include:
• Trauma
• Long periods of surge
• Poor posture
• Smoking
• Genetic abnormalities
Symptoms and Treatment Options
Herniated nucleus pulposus does not always cause symptoms. In fact, someone may have a herniated disc for years and never experienced any type of discomfort. When symptoms do occur, usually because the extruded nucleus pulposus has a tiny irritation of the nerve fibers in the outer wall of the disc, or because it was leaked outside the disc and click on the adjacent spinal nerve or spinal cord. Irritation of the nerve fibers in the annular wall is likely to cause localized discomfort, but pain due to compression of nerve roots (radiculopathy) or spinal cord compression (myelopathy) can take many forms, including:
• Travel Pain
• tingling that radiates through the extremities
• Muscle weakness in upper and lower extremities
The above symptoms tend to affect not only the spine, and body parts, which are innervated by the nerve tissue (nerve root or spinal cord), which are compressed by a herniated disc. Because of the nerve roots and spinal cord leads to all the other nerves that travel throughout the body, pain, tingling and weakness may be far-reaching consequences.
Most people who have a symptomatic herniated nucleus pulposus, is likely to be able to manage their uncomfortable mix of conservative (nonsurgical) treatment. Always consult your doctor for proper diagnosis, so that he or she may prescribe a course of treatment tailored to your specific needs. Common conservative treatments include physical therapy, gentle stretching, low-impact exercise, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids injections, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Some patients also find it useful to supplement these procedures with alternative treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, or massage.