There are 7 spinal bones in our neck and 5 in our waist. There are cartilage structures called discs between these bones. Discs contribute to the mobility of the spine and help distribute the loads on the spine evenly. Cervical and lumbar herniated discs are diseases that occur as a result of the deterioration and overflow of these discs, which act like shock absorbers.
Findings
Pain and limitation of movement are the main findings of lumbar and cervical herniated discs. The source of the pain is the pressure of the protruding disc on neighboring tissues, especially the spinal cord and nerve roots. Due to this pressure, some chemicals secreted in the tissues whose blood flow is impaired cause pain. The pain that occurs reflexively triggers muscle spasm, leading to movement limitation. Pain caused by the pressure on the nerve roots can spread to the arm or leg, or symptoms such as numbness and burning may be observed. If the pressure on the nerves and spinal cord is severe, muscle weakness, urinary and stool disorders may also accompany the findings.
Causes
The most important cause of lumbar and neck hernias are mechanical factors. These effects, which occur as a result of improper use of the spine, cause the cartilages called discs to deteriorate and overflow. Sedentary lifestyle that has developed as a result of the advancement of technology, working sitting for long periods of time, positions that keep the spine in an inappropriate position for a long time (computer use, watching TV, working in industrial production, etc.) and carrying inappropriate weight are the most common causes of disease. In addition to mechanical factors, disc wear due to aging, genetic disorders in the cartilage structure and traumas can be counted among other causes of hernia.
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