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The disk is part of the spinal column that is made up of cartilage and separates each vertebra of the spine. Disks are made up of a strong outer layer with a soft inner part that acts as a shock absorber to cushion the vertebrae when a person is moving. When the disk ruptures or herniates, the soft inner material will bulge out through a weak area in the hard outer layer. When this occurs the disk compresses or irritates a nerve root causing pain and, in some cases, even nerve damage.
Symptoms of a ruptured disk, which is also called a disk prolapse, may include pain in the area of the rupture, loss of sensation or weakness in the area of the rupture. If the disk that has ruptured is in the lower back there will be pain and when the sciatic nerve root is compressed the pain may run down the back of the leg from the buttock to the ankle, heel or toes of the foot. Occasionally there may be difficulty in lifting the foot and in rare cases where the rupture is large the bladder and bowel functions can be affected. In many cases there is numbness and tingling in the affected area. Sitting for long periods of time may aggravate the symptoms, as will coughing, sneezing, laughing, urinating or bending. When there is prolonged pressure on the sciatic nerve a weakness of the leg muscles may be present. This is the most common area of ruptured disk with about 95 percent occurring in this area. Even so, disk can rupture in any part of the back or neck.
A ruptured disk in the neck will cause neck pain, stiffness and tingling or weakness in the arm or hand if that nerve is compressed. This is the second most common area of a disk rupture and the person may feel pain in the shoulder blade, armpit or upper ridge and tip of the shoulder. The pain will travel down the arm to affect one or more of the fingers. In some cases the movement of the fingers may be affected. There are many reasons a disk will rupture including injuries to the spine or neck, aging, lifting heavy weights, sudden violent twisting, sitting for long periods of time without a break, falls that affect the spine and automobile accidents. In most cases ruptured disk occur gradually as a result of the disk degenerating with age. Those between the ages of 30 and 40 are at a higher risk of developing this disorder since after age 30 the disks begin to dehydrate becoming less resilient. After age 40 disks will form an extra fibrous tissue around them that increases their strength.
A doctor will run various test prior to diagnosing a ruptured disk since there are many disorders that can cause back, leg, neck or arm pain. The spine will be examined and tested for movement, as will the reflexes in any affected arm or leg. These test may be done using x-ray, CT scanning, diskography, electromyography or myelography. If the rupture is severe enough to cause difficulty in urinating or control of urination, muscle tone may be checked in the area of the rectum. This is done because any impairment of the ability to defecate or urinate are considered especially grave signs with this type of injury. In this case medical treatment is urgently needed.
In most cases the symptoms will be relieved by relaxation at home and the use of aspirin until the pain is relieved. Exercises are often recommended to strengthen the lower back muscles and reduce muscles spasms. When the muscles function is impaired, surgery may be suggested.
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