Friends, have you ever been troubled by lumbar spine disease, and after taking an MRI, you saw a bunch of dizzying medical terms on the report list: "lumbar disc bulge, herniation, prolapse, free ......."In the face of these unfamiliar medical terms, everyone's hearts may be full of doubts and panic.
So, what exactly do these terms mean?Bulge vs protrusion vs prolapse vs free, what is the difference between these lumbar spine injuries?What are the differences in symptoms and how do I proceed?Today, with these questions, let's learn about many questions about lumbar intervertebral discs!
First, let's understand the role of lumbar discs. The lumbar disc is like a cushion that helps us distribute the pressure on our lower back and makes our spine more flexible. However, when a lumbar disc is damaged or aged, it may bulge, herniate, prolapse, or even become free, which can lead to lumbar spine disease.
Lumbar disc bulge
With the passage of time, the annulus fibrosis is degenerated and ruptured, the nucleus pulposus is not completely broken, and the entire annulus fibrous bulges outward, which is the intervertebral disc bulge. At this stage, the condition is still in its infancy, and patients may be unaware or have only mild symptoms. At this point, the condition can be effectively controlled with appropriate conservative ** or intervention.
Lumbar disc herniation
When the nucleus pulposus approaches the entire annulus fibrous and the posterior longitudinal ligament and the posterior fascia have not been broken through, it is called prominence. At this time, the condition has entered the moderate stage, and the patient may experience symptoms such as low back pain and sciatica. Different symptoms require different **, and even surgery is required in severe cases**.
Lumbar disc herniation
When the nucleus pulposus breaks through the fascia outside the annulus fibrous and enters the spinal canal, it is called prolapse. At this moment, the condition has entered a serious stage, and patients will have obvious pain in the lower back and legs, pain and weakness when walking, limp, and some patients will also have problems such as incontinence. Conservative** results tend to be poor, and most patients require minimally invasive interventions or surgery**. Tips: Patients with prolapse type must be cautious about using traction and massage and other methods, because a slight impropriety will aggravate the condition. ）
Lumbar disc free
This is the most severe condition of the lumbar intervertebral disc, when the lumbar intervertebral disc has completely detached from its original position and is free into the spinal canal or other parts. In addition, the free disc can also compress the nerves in the spinal cord, and if this happens, surgery** is required to remove the free disc.
I believe that through the above brief introduction, we have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the development process of lumbar spine diseases. Although lumbar disc disease is a problem that many people face, it is not invincible. In fact, most lumbar disc diseases can be relieved by non-surgery**, and surgery should only be considered if the lesion seriously affects the quality of life**.
Finally, I would like to solemnly remind you: in the coming days, please be sure to maintain a correct sitting posture, avoid overworking your waist, and exercise your waist regularly to prevent lumbar spine disease from causing us unnecessary trouble!