Steemit Learning Challenge-S21W6; Disc Herniation
I am warmly welcoming you to this health discussion as taught and presented by @ashkhan.
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To explain disc herniation, we may need to first understand two outstanding components of the spine.
These are
Nucleus Pulposus: This is the tender, gel-like middle of the disc made up of proteoglycans and water, separating the vertebrae (bone) in the spine and making provision for support and cushioning. It functions shock absorber and allows for limberness as well as movement in the spine.
Annulus Fibrosus: This is the tougher, outer layer of the disc made up of fibrocartilage and offers stability and support to the disc.
Disc Herniation
Disc herniation, referred to as a slipped disc, happens as soon as the nucleus pulposus bulges stick out from a tear or crack in the annulus fibrosus. This can exert pressure on adjacent nerves, resulting in tingling, pain, weakness, as well as numbness.
The nucleus pulposus (spinal discs) are cushion-like structures that split the bones in the vertebral column, acting as shock absorbers. When it herniates, the bilging disc material pressurizes the nearby nerves, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, as well as weakness in the neck, back, legs, or arms.
Disc herniation can be lumbar (which takes place in the lower back, cervical (which takes place in the neck), or thoracic (which takes place in the upper back). It can occur as a result of trauma or damage (wear or tear) to the spine, aging, sudden bending, degenerative disease of the disc, or reckless heavy lifting.
Clinical Evaluation
- Medical history: This would involve taking a thorough medical history for the identification of any underlying conditions that could be bringing up the herniation.
- Symptom assessment: Symptoms like tingling, pain, weakness, and numbness, would be evaluated to ascertain the seriousness of the condition.
Physical Examination
- Neurological examination: A neurological evaluation can be performed to examine reflexes, muscle strength, as well as sensation in the affected area.
- Musculoskeletal assessment: A musculoskeletal assessment can also be performed to evaluate muscle spasms, flexibility, and the range of motion in the affected area.
Diagnostic Imaging Tests
- X-rays: X-rays can be employed to eliminate other conditions like as osteoporosis or fractures.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A computer tomography scan can be utilized for the provision of detailed images of the vertebral column as well as surrounding tissues.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test can be employed for the provision of detailed images of the vertebral column, discs, as well as surrounding tissues.
- Myelography: This test can be carried out for details on the spine and surrounding tissues as it makes use of a dye to illuminate the spine and surrounding tissues.
- Discography: This test can be carried out for details on the disc and surrounding tissues as it makes use of a dye to illuminate the disc as well as surrounding tissues.
Specialized Tests
Specialized texts such "EMG (Electromyography)" for measuring the electrical activities of the muscles to examine damage and dysfunction of the muscle and "NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies)" for measuring the strength and velocity of electrical signals in the nerves to evaluate dysfunction and damage of the nerve can also be carried out.
https://youtube.com/shorts/BZUETw4tXOU?si=NTH-mZVdWaVbqoRJ
https://youtube.com/shorts/LPDGcGm9Q5A?si=cooYcxuSjIiovBYZ
https://youtube.com/shorts/p-MPA9BgHvY?si=89l-j8LARUozZH6a
• Relaxed lower back muscles
• Enhanced spinal mobility
• Stretched muscles of the lower back and hip
• Relieved spinal pressure
• Improved flexibility of the spinal
• Relaxed muscles of the neck and shoulder
*This is where we draw the curtain, thanks for coming along. Am inviting @ruthjoe, @ninapenda and @ngoenyi
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Thank you for understanding the lesson and sharing your assignment; I hope that you will enjoy this week's lesson and try to implement it in your life if you see any such case.
Observations
Task 1 (2.8/3)
You have shared a great knowledge about disc herniation, its symptoms, and causes, but its types. But you didn't add the number or name of vertebrates involve in each region. A bit more depth require to complete the answer. I appreciate your effort.
Task 2 (2.7/3)
In the second question, you tell us about how you have to assess a patient by doing physical examination and history taking, performing investigations and didn't add special tests. NCS and EMG are investigations tests too special tests are other that are written in the lesson post. It would be better if you add name and explanation of one special test of each region to assess the disc herniation. Great.
Task 3 (2.4/4)
You try the cat & cow stretch, William Flexion but 3rd exercise is wrong I don't know why you didn't check the lesson post carefully and then perform the exercises. You did the mistakes while performing both exercises, William flexion should be performed on leg at one time and then on other. Secondly in cat & cow stretch you have to hold both positions for few seconds not perform in just a one second. Always remember to apply heat pack before performing exercises to relax the muscles and reduce stiffness. I appreciate your efforts.
Overall you made a great attempt to answer all the questions. I appreciate your efforts. But next time try to avoid the above written suggestions. Keep learning and try to implement your knowledge to the people suffering from disc herniation or any type of back pain. Thank you.