Disc disease, a disease that occurs with advancing age
Written by:The discopathy is a frequent pathology that is known as a gradual and progressive degenerative process that affects the intervertebral discs, whether of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or lumbosacral area.
The intervertebral discs are cartilaginous cushions of cushioning located between two adjacent vertebrae, which together with the joint veneers serve as an articulation.
The intervertebral disc is formed by the nucleus pulposus (gelatinous and formed in its 80% of water) and the fibrous ring formed mostly of collagen. It is protected by different ligaments, guaranteeing a solid union between the vertebrae. Only an accident of great magnitude could cause the rupture or injury of these vertebral ligaments.
Causes and symptoms of discopathy
When the disc is young, it has a moist aspect. With the passage of age and dehydration the body disappears, which gradually limits the protective capacity of the disc and supposes a degeneration of the disc.
This means that the protective capacity of the discs is limited due to the rigidity and impacts that can not be absorbed in the same proportion as a hydrated disc , thereby accelerating the natural wear of the vertebral area in question.
Repeated stresses due to bad posture, work or poor positioning can degenerate the fibers of the disc and tear, deform or break the annulus fibrosis and release the nucleus pulposus. When the nucleus is released depending on the location, it can exert pressure on the nerve causing disc injuries .
Symptoms vary depending on your location and type of disc injury.
We can find disc protrusions, degeneration or herniated discs (internal, external, foramidal).
The most frequent is lumbar or lumbosacral pain with irradiation in one or both legs.
The pain is usually the movement, and being in an upright position or sitting and rising.
When the problem of the disc affects the legs, it is known as sciatica or sciatica.
Sometimes it may be accompanied by tingling or a feeling of cushioning in certain areas, always depending on the nerve that is affected.
Benefits of osteopathy
Osteopathy seeks to balance the vertebral tensions by working in the areas of least mobility that, by compensation, generate areas of greater movement and disc wear .
Working at the joint, disc, muscle, visceral and vasculonervioso levels we help the body to balance by providing a proper movement of the joints, with the aim that the person who comes with disc pain can lead a normal life without symptoms.
So that the problem does not recur, we recommend always accompanying the treatment with a healthy life, including adequate exercise for each person and an anti-inflammatory diet and adequate hydration.
We always try to introduce ergonomics in the life of the person with discal involvement so that their day to day is possible.
