Steemit Learning Challenge-S21W6; Disc Herniation"
"Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do".
What's disc herniation? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post.
Disc herniation happens when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc wears down. When the gel bulges out due to wear, it reduces the space in the disc, leading to more damage. This condition is often referred to as a slipped disc.
When a disc herniates, it can compress nearby structures like ligaments, nerves, tendons, and muscles, particularly the sciatic nerve. This issue is common in older adults due to age-related wear and tear. Additionally, people who lead inactive lifestyles may face this problem if they suddenly engage in heavy activities or lift items incorrectly, which can put extra pressure on the discs.
Types of disc herniation
Slipped discs are divided into three types based on where they occur in the spine. They are:
Thoracic disc herniation: This type affects the T1-T12 discs in the upper back or thoracic area.
Cervical disc herniation: This involves the C1-C7 vertebrae and is often related to aging, as wear and tear happens in the cervical area.
Lumbar disc herniation: This affects the L1-L discs and typically occurs in the lower back region.
Symptoms of disc herniation
People with disc herniation may experience several symptoms, including:
Pain along the sciatic nerve, which can extend from the lower back down through the legs and feet (sciatica).
Tingling and numbness caused by nerve compression.
Pain in the neck or arms if the cervical discs are involved.
Weakness in the upper body, including the neck and arms, as well as in the legs and thighs.
How would you diagnose a disc herniation? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?
Diagnosis of disc herniation
• MRI: An MRI is performed to check for any impact on muscles or ligaments and to see if nerves are compressed due to the herniated disc.
• X-ray: X-ray imaging helps to determine if there is a decrease in disc space and to evaluate any bone growth.
• There are several methods used to diagnose disc herniation, with the most common being:
Special tests for assessing disc herniation:
Certain tests can be conducted to confirm disc herniation, depending on the location of the herniated disc.
In the cervical region, tests such as cervical rotation, cervical flexion, Spurling's test, extension test, cervical compression test, and apprehension test are utilized.
For the lumbar region, tests like the extension test, straight leg raise, lumbar flexion, Valsalva test, and femoral nerve stretch are performed.
The thoracic region, I would suggest the Schober's test which is used to assess limitations and flexion. Additionally, the rotation test and thoracic spine extension test help evaluate rotation, provoke pain, and assess discomfort in the thoracic area.
Try to practice at least 3 exercises that you have learned from the lesson. Share images, gifs or videos while practicing preferably gifs or videos.
 | William Flexion (Knee to chest stretch) |
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Cat & Cow Stretch Exercise
| Hip Bridging Exercise |  |
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Share your review after performing these exercises either on yourself, healthy individual or patient.
After these exercises,I felt a relieve in my spinal area. I happen to perform this task after my days activities and it helped me relax so well. My muscles and neck were stretched because I heard the sound as the task were carried out.
It was a good experience and each task was performed at least 30 seconds for each.
I invite @mariami @patjewell @pandora2010
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 (3/3)
You have shared a great knowledge about disc herniation, its symptoms, and and causes, and its types. 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 special tests. It would be better if you add explanation of one special test of each region to assess the disc herniation. Great.
Task 3 (4/4)
You try the hip bridging, William Flexion and cat & cow stretch exercises . You did the hip bridging, William Flexion and cat & cow stretch correctly. 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 lower back pain. Thank you.
Thank you so much ma'am. I appreciate 🙏
I am inspired by your practices. Thanks for sharing such essential exercises for disc herniation management. Good luck for the contest.