Herniated Disk - Ruptured Disk

A ruptured disk in the back occurs when all or part of a vertebral disk is forced through the bones of the spinal column.

What is going on in the body?

The vertebrae of the spinal column are separated by vertebral disks that act like shock absorbers. A disk is made up of two parts. The outer ring or annulus is a tough, fibrous material. The inner part or nucleus is a soft, jelly-like material. A ruptured disk occurs when the outer ring tears or breaks, allowing the jelly-like material to poke through the crack. The disk may press on nerves, causing pain and loss of function.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many causes of a ruptured disk. Repeated heavy lifting is the most common cause, especially when improper lifting techniques are used. Many people who have a ruptured disk are involved in manual labor jobs. Other risk factors for disk rupture include:

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

The location of the ruptured disk determines where a person will have symptoms. Most ruptured disks are in the lower back and cause low back pain. The ruptured disk may press on the sciatic nerve. This pressure causes sciatic nerve dysfunction. The person may experience the following symptoms:

If the ruptured disk is in the upper back, the symptoms may be in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a ruptured disk begins with a medical history and physical exam. Depending on the suspected cause of the problem, the provider may order diagnostic tests, such as:

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Proper lifting techniques are important to avoid a ruptured disk. These techniques can be enhanced by the use of an abdominal support belt. Other preventive measures include the following:

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Chronic pain from an untreated ruptured disk can result in depression, lack of productivity, and drug abuse. If the ruptured disk presses on a nerve, the person may have weakness, numbness, and loss of muscle mass.

What are the risks to others?

A ruptured disk is not contagious and poses no risks to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

A ruptured disk is generally treated conservatively at first. Initial treatments include:

If conservative treatment is not successful, the healthcare provider may recommend surgery. The following operations may be helpful for people with a ruptured disk:

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects of medicines include allergic reactions and stomach upset. Surgery is associated with a risk of infection, bleeding, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

After conservative treatment of a ruptured disk, a person can usually resume activity as tolerated. Symptoms may recur every now and then, requiring repeated treatment. Ninety percent of the time, surgery relieves symptoms, and the person can slowly resume normal activities. Physical therapy can be helpful to teach appropriate body mechanics and lifting techniques.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Vincent J. Toups, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:09/05/01
Reviewer:Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
Date Reviewed:09/05/01

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