Disc prolapse can occur in vertebra and anywhere in spine. But in the thoracic region, it is very rare. And it is more common in the lumbar vertebrae.
In the lumbar region, the commonest site is in the level of 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra-L4 –L5.
The most common cause is the injury and stress to the spine. Lifting the weight in a forward flexion is the risk factor. The disc is like a spongy substance that situates between each vertebra and works as a shock absorber. During stress the disc prolapse between the body of the vertebrae and press on the nerves that comes from the spinal cord.
Causes are-
Obesity
Ageing
Incorrect posture in work places and during exercise and driving, etc.
Sudden strain and repeated injuries.
Clinical features-
Males are commonly affected, and the age group is between 20 and 50yrs.
Severe and sudden onset of pain after lifting a weight, twisting or stooping, the pain usually subsides after rest and treatment. Initially, the pain localized in the low back.
But next attack of pain starts after a minor strain and this pain is much more severe. Pain is worse from stooping, coughing, and sneezing. And pain radiates down to buttock, and extends along the course of sciatic nerve. So it is also known as sciatica. Tingling and numbness are felt along the course of sciatic nerve. But in spite of this pain, the general health is good.
SLR TEST
Straight-Leg Raising Test. The patient is asked to lie down on his back, with legs fully extended. The limb is lifted by holding the ankle. Normally, people can rise up 80 degrees. But in case of nerve involvement, the patient feels pain even before it is raised to 80 degrees. The degree at which patient feels pain is noted as positive SLRT. The angle is measured between the bed and the limb.
The unaffected limb is also raised and test for SLRT. If while doing these, patients feel pain in affected limb, it is known as contralateral positive SLRT.
LASEGUE TEST
In this test, the leg is lifted to 80 degrees but knee in bent position. Then the knee is gradually extended by the doctor. Full extension is impossible, and the patient will complain of pain the hamstring muscles.
Treatment
General treatment
Strict bed rest on a hard surface for a few weeks is necessary.
Do not bend forward and lift weights in stooping position.
Reduction of weight in obese patients.
Exact posture with good ergonomics during sitting and working.
Mild exercise and calcium-rich diet in older patients.
Homeopathic treatment
With full bed rest, a period and time and homeopathic treatment will give complete relief to the patient irrespective of the cause. The homeopathic medicine is selected according to the principle of similia similibus curantur.
Homeopathic medicines prevent further degeneration of the bones in old patients, and the patient can lead a normal painless life. The patient's symptoms and pathological aspects are taken into consideration for the selection of the remedy.
Medicines like Arnica Ruta, Hypericum, etc.; are the medicines if the IVDP is due to strain and injury.
Calc flour, Syphyllinum, Aurum met, Calc phos. Calc carb are the medicines used in cases of IVDP due to old age or due to some other diseases.
Homeopathy is a very good and second to none in the treatment of IVDP, and homeopathy gives the complete cure also.
