Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Disc Disorders
Number of Conditions: 1
Herniated intervertebral disc
Specialty: Trauma and Injuries
Category: Spinal and Back Injuries
Sub-category: Disc Disorders
Symptoms:
localized back pain; radiating pain (sciatica) down the legs; numbness or tingling in extremities; muscle weakness; difficulty with movement or coordination
Root Cause:
A tear in the outer layer of the intervertebral disc allows the inner gel-like material to protrude, compressing nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with clinical examination and imaging (MRI or CT).
Treatment:
Treated with physical therapy, pain management, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention like discectomy.
Medications:
NSAIDs for pain and inflammation, muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ), and corticosteroid injections to reduce nerve irritation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-2% of the population annually, most common in adults aged 30-50.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aging, heavy lifting, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve with conservative treatment within 6-8 weeks; surgery has a high success rate for relieving symptoms in severe cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome), and disability if left untreated.