Discopathy is the disease that concerns the degeneration of the intervertebral disc and the symptoms that result from it.
The intervertebral disc is the "cushion" between the vertebrae and helps absorb shock and allows movement of the spine. It consists of two parts, externally of many fibrous rings and internally of the nucleus, the main component of which is water.
The gradual degeneration of the disc over time is a normal process that may occur without symptoms. The size and fluid quantities of the disc decrease, it loses some of its water and becomes dehydrated. Consequently, it loses its elasticity and the rings that make up its casing can present microtears (break) more easily, resulting in the creation of a herniated intervertebral disc.
Factors that can accelerate this degeneration are heredity, exposure to weights and vibrations, smoking, etc. An injury and possible rupture of the intervertebral disc also accelerates the degeneration process.
The possibility of healing the disc after an injury is small due to the lack of blood vessels at this point.
Disc pain is mainly concentrated in the lower back area (LOW BACK PAIN) and can also be reflected in the buttocks. However, if the nerve tissue is also involved (nerve pressure from a herniated intervertebral disc) then the pain can go further down the thigh, the knee and even the leg with simultaneous numbness (SCHIACIA).
Corresponding to disc problems in the neck, the pain starts in the neck area and, depending on whether or not the nerve tissue is involved, extends to the entire arm (NECK SYNDROME).
In the acute phase of disc injury all movements are painful. Prolonged standing and sitting usually worsen symptoms while supine (lying down) relieves.
Our MRI shows the degeneration of the disc, a reduction in its height, shape and color (black = dry disc, white = normal disc), as well as its possible projections that may exist.
The treatment is basically conservative and includes medication to reduce inflammation, Physiotherapy which can be effective even from the acute phase, Manual Therapy techniques after a good assessment of the problem and therapeutic exercise to stabilize and strengthen the area, especially in chronic cases.
