bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Herniated Disk
Introduction
A herniated disk occurs when the tough covering of a disk in the spine tears or ruptures. The soft, jelly-like interior of the disk may then bulge out (herniate) through the covering. Aging, injuries, and being overweight can cause a herniated disk. When herniated disks cause pain, it can be slight to debilitating. Imaging tests are done to make the diagnosis. People can reduce their risk of a herniated disk by exercising, strengthening their muscles, and maintaining a healthy weight. Treatment includes measures to relieve pain and sometimes surgery. The spine (spinal column) consists of back bones (vertebrae). There are shock-absorbing disks between each of the vertebrae. The disks have a tough, outer layer of fibrocartilage and a soft, jelly-like interior called the nucleus pulposus. If a disk is suddenly squeezed by the vertebrae above and below it (as when lifting a heavy object), the outer layer may tear (rupture), causing pain. The interior of the disk can squeeze through the tear in the covering, so that part of the interior bulges out (herniates). This bulge can compress, irritate, and even damage the spinal nerve root or sometimes the spinal cord (see also Compression of the Spinal Cord ). A ruptured or herniated disk in the low back commonly causes low back pain and More than 80% of herniated disks occur in the lower back. They are most common among people aged 30 to 50 years. Between these ages, the covering weakens. The jelly-like interior, which is under high pressure, may squeeze through a tear or a weakened spot in the covering and bulge out. After age 50, the interior of the disk begins to harden, making herniation less likely. A disk may herniate because of a sudden, traumatic injury or repeated minor injuries. Being overweight or lifting heavy objects, particularly lifting incorrectly, increases the risk. The tough covering of a disk in the spine can tear (rupture), causing pain. The soft, jelly-like interior may then bulge out (herniate) through the covering, causing more pain. Pain occurs because the bulge puts pressure on the spinal nerve root next to it. Sometimes the nerve root becomes inflamed or is damaged. 