A Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
Your spine or backbone is made up of 26 bones that are known as vertebrae. Located in between each of these vertebrae are soft discs that are filled with a jelly-like substance. Your vertebrae are cushioned by these discs. These discs hold your vertebrae in the right position. Nerves that leave your brain are also protected by your vertebrae. These nerves are what travel down your back and form your spinal cord. Nerve roots that are large nerves branch out from your spinal cord. They go out from your spinal column between each one of your vertebrae. A herniated nucleus pulposus is a medical disorder that is characterized by one of these discs herniating (moves out of position) or rupturing due to trauma or strain. A herniated nucleus pulposus is a disorder that is marked by numbness, pain or weakness. The fact is that a herniated nucleus pulposus can result in a large amount of pain. A herniated nucleus pulposus that presses against a nerve can cause you to have sciatica or back pain. A herniated nucleus pulposus may develop in anyone at any age. However, it occurs most of the time in people who are between the ages of 35 and 45. A herniated nucleus pulposus is a common problem in the United States. About 4% of everyone who has low back or leg pain experience problems that are nerve-related, which are the result of a herniated nucleus pulposus. A herniated nucleus pulposus develops most often in the lumbar part of your spine. This is the lower part of your backbone that is located between your hips and the bottom of your ribs. There are several things that can lead to a herniated nucleus pulposus. It may result from an accident, injury or fall. A herniated nucleus pulposus may occur gradually over time due to any kind of activity that results in repetitive straining of your spine. Advancing age may lead to your discs becoming rigid. When this happens, your disc may herniate or rupture. Spinal stenosis may also play a role in the formation of a herniated nucleus pulposus. The truth is that many people who are afflicted with a herniated nucleus pulposus already have spinal stenosis. There are several signs and symptoms that you may have with a herniated nucleus pulposus. Some of these are:- Pain that subsides when you rest
- Bowel or bladder difficulties
- Neck pain that spreads (radiates) to your shoulders and upper arms when your herniated nucleus pulposus has developed in your upper back
- Abdominal sensations that are like those that you experience with the pain of an electric shock
- Pain that gets worse with any kind of activity
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle spasms or weakness
- Pain that is made worse by sneezing, coughing, sitting, driving or bending forward
- Back pain that spreads (radiates) to your legs and buttocks when your herniated nucleus pulposus has occurred in your lower back.