Herniated disc

Not every slipped disc causes problems. Herniated discs are often found "by chance" in MRI scans (NMR). Centrally located herniated discs can cause severe pain, while laterally located ones can cause nerve compression and thus numbness and paralysis in the leg. Coughing, pressing and sneezing then usually intensify the pain. Depending on the size and location of the prolapse, symptoms can vary in severity. Nerve structures can be compressed, even the spinal cord in the cervical spine area.

- A slipped disc in the cervical spine can therefore manifest itself with severe pain in the neck, pain radiating into the arm or hand, often with tingling and numbness, sometimes also with symptoms of paralysis or weakness.

- A herniated disc in the lumbar spine usually causes severe pain in the lower back, hardened muscles in the affected section of the spine, pain radiating into the buttocks or leg with sensory disturbances, tingling, numbness, sometimes with paralysis, gait disorders (toe or heel gait) and other neurological dysfunctions (bladder and rectal emptying disorders)

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The intervertebral discs are elastic cartilage discs several millimetres thick that act as shock absorbers between the vertebral bodies. They consist of a soft, viscous gelatinous core and a fairly firm but elastic outer fibrous ring.

Wear and tear, incorrect posture or overloading can cause the intervertebral disc to rupture and, in the worst case, press on the nerve roots.

The basis for successful treatment is an exact assessment of the findings. In addition to the physical examination with a check of the neurological functions, diagnostics using magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, is now standard. An X-ray image of the affected section of the spine can show degenerative bony changes. MRI can show the location and extent of a herniated disc and also changes to the vertebral joints that may be causing nerve root compression. A herniated disc in the cervical or lumbar spine is primarily treated conservatively. The extent of the pain will determine whether anti-inflammatory medication or stronger painkillers are required. Physiotherapy and heat treatment can also provide relief.

In the case of pain with radicular radiation - also known as nerve root pain - targeted infiltrations close to the spine (PRT, epidural injections) are carried out under fluoroscopy, which may be repeated several times, usually leading to a reduction in swelling of the inflamed nerve root.

Treatment with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is also possible in some cases. The growth factors contained in your own blood can alleviate the inflammation and thus contribute to faster pain relief. This therapy is used successfully, especially in younger patients.