Ruptured Disk
Definition of Ruptured Disk:
A ruptured disk is a condition in which part or all of the soft, gelatinous central portion of an intervertebral disk (the nucleus pulposus) is forced through a weakened part of the disk, resulting in back pain and leg pain caused by nerve root irritation.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors of a ruptured disk:
The spinal column is divided into several segments -- the cervical spine (the neck), the thoracic spine (the part of the back behind the chest), the lumbar spine (lower back) and sacral spine (the part connected to the pelvis that does not move).
The spinal vertebrae are separated by cartilage disks filled with a gelatinous substance, that provide cushioning to the spinal column. These disks may herniate (move out of place) or rupture from trauma or strain, especially if degenerative changes have occurred in the disk causing a “ruptured disk”.
Radiculopathy refers to any disease affecting the spinal nerve roots. A ruptured disk is one cause (but not the only cause) of radiculopathy (sciatica).
Most ruptured disk injuries takes place in the lumbar area of the spine. Lumbar disk herniation occurs 15 times more often than cervical (neck) disk herniation, and it is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. The cervical disks are affected 8% of the time and the upper-to-mid-back (thoracic) disks only 1 to 2% of the time.
Nerve roots (large nerves that branch out from the spinal cord) may become compressed, resulting in neurological symptoms such as sensory or motor changes.
Ruptured disk occurs more frequently in middle aged and older men, especially those involved in strenuous physical activity. Other risk factors include any congenital conditions that affect the size of the lumbar spinal canal.
Ruptured Disk
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