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WHAT IS DISK PROLAPSE?
To understand disk prolapse, it is first necessary to understand a few other terms. To begin with, vertebrae are bones that form an opening in which the spinal cord passes. These bones are stacked one on top of another, like this:
Each individual bone that makes up the vertebrae is called a vertebra. In between the vertebrae are flat, cushiony disks (known as intervertebral disks) that act as shock absorbers. These disks are represented by the red areas. Disk prolapse is a painful condition of the spine in which an intervertebral disk ruptures and part of its pulpy inside protrudes (sticks out).
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF DISK PROLAPSE?
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The main symptom of disk prolapse is pain, due to the protruding disk pressing on a nerve. The pain can sometimes be so disabling that it is difficult to walk. Sometimes, the pain can occur in the leg. This usually happens when the sciatic nerve is being pressed on. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that extends through the muscle of the thigh, leg, and foot. When the sciatic nerve is pressed on, pain runs down the back of the leg from the rear end to the ankle. This condition is known as sciatica and it can lead to weakness of the leg if the nerve continues to be pressed on. Sciatica is sometimes accompanied by numbness and tingling.
Pain, tingling, and weakness of the arm can occur if the nerve that sends impulses to the arm is being pressed on. Pain and stiffness of the neck can occur if the disk prolapse is in the neck. The symptoms of disk prolapse are often made worse when the person sneezes, coughs, sits for long periods, twists the back, or tries to lift heavy objects. |
In rare cases, the disk presses on the spinal cord, leading to paralysis (loss of movement and/or sensation) of the legs. Pressure on the spinal cord can also lead to a loss of the control of the ability to pee and poop.
WHERE DOES DISK PROLAPSE USUALLY OCCUR?
In 95% of cases, disk prolapse occurs in the lower back. However, disk prolapse can occur anywhere in the spine, such as the neck area.
WHAT CAUSES DISK PROLAPSE?
Disk prolapse is sometimes caused by a sudden stressful action upon the back. This is often caused by lifting a heavy object or twisting the back suddenly and/or violently. Disk prolapse usually occurs slowly as a result of the disks wearing away with age.
AT WHAT AGE ARE PEOPLE MOST LIKELY TO GET DISK PROLAPSE?
The age at which people are most likely to suffer from disk prolapse is between 30 and 40. This is because the disks start to lose their fluid content over age 30 and become less resistant to the effects of stress. However, after age 40, extra tissue forms around the disks, which gives them more support.
ARE MEN MORE LIKELY TO GET DISK PROLAPSE THAN WOMEN?
Yes. Disk prolapse is slightly more common in men than women. There are various possible reasons for this. One possibility is that disk prolapse is more common in people who sit for long periods without a break. Men may be more likely to do this than women.
HOW IS DISK PROLAPSE DIAGNOSED?
The doctor will perform various tests to determine what is causing the pain in the back or neck area. The doctor will likely begin by examining the spine and testing movements and reflexes of the spine, arms, and legs. The doctor may also arrange for tests to be done so he/she can look at pictures of the spine. Examples of such tests include an X-ray and a CT (computerized tomography) scan. CT scanning is an advanced imaging technique that uses x-rays (a type of energy) and computer technology to produce more clear and detailed pictures than a traditional x-ray.
Another commonly used imaging technique is a myelography. In a myelography, a colored dye is injected into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord, making this area more visible on an x-ray. Yet another technique is called a discography. In a discography, the colored dye is actually injected into the disk so that the disk shows up more clearly on the x-ray. An electromyography is sometimes used as well. This test measures the electrical activity of muscles around the spine.
To confirm the exact location of a nerve that is being pressed on by a disk, the doctor may inject a pain-numbing medication into the area of the back or neck where the pain is located. If this technique reduces the pain, the doctor can be reasonably sure that this is the area where the problem lies.
HOW IS DISK PROLAPSE TREATED?
Almost all doctors will try to treat disk prolapse without surgery at first. Disk prolapse usually responds well to bed rest, in which the person lies flat on his/her back on a firm mattress. The hips, ankles, and shoulders should be aligned to relieve pressure on the spine. Bed rest is usually done for a few weeks. A supportive collar, supportive garments, and special exercises (as instructed by the doctor) can be helpful. If these techniques fail, an operation may be needed to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Operations are most likely to be performed if muscle function is impaired.
WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISK PROLAPSE?
In most cases, the pain will go away when treatment occurs without surgery. However, the pain tends to come back.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE TERM, DISK PROLAPSE?
Disk prolapse comes from the Greek word "diskos" meaning "flat plate," and the Latin word "prolapsus" meaning "falling." Put the words together and you have "falling flat plate."
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