The difference between lumbar disc and spinal stenosis
Aug 20, 2024
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The lumbar disc occurs when the inner nucleus of the disc of the lumbar region protrudes out. Just the protrusion of the disc triggers a severe inflammatory response, resulting in low back pain and radiating pain. If the disc compresses the nerve, it can cause paralysis of motor function.
Professor Park Jin-ho of orthopedic surgery at Gangdong Sacred Heart Hospital explained that "back disc pain occurs mainly in the lower lumbar spine, and radiating pain (sciatic neuralgia) that spreads from the hip to the toe is common when lifting the hip joint."
In the early stages of the disk, non-surgical treatment such as medication or exercise therapy is possible, but surgical treatment is considered if motor paralysis occurs due to compression of the nerves or if daily life is difficult due to continuous pain.
Spinal stenosis, which has symptoms similar to discs, causes pain due to narrowing of the spinal canal through which the spinal nerve passes. Rather than a specific posture, it is a degenerative disease caused by aging of the spine itself, and it mainly occurs in middle-aged and older people. Unlike the disc, the nerves are mainly compressed when the waist is tilted back, which intensifies the pain, and the pain is relieved when bent down. Spinal stenosis is characterized by different symptoms depending on the site of occurrence.
Professor Park Jin-ho said "In the case of cervical stenosis, when the central spinal cord is pressed, the sensation of the hand becomes dull and walking disorders appear" and "Chopsticks or buttons are difficult, and spinal cord may develop that makes it difficult to balance when walking"
Unlike cervical stenosis, in which the spinal cord in the center is pressed, thoracic stenosis only shows walking disorders that make it difficult to balance when walking without the dullness of the hand. In the case of lumbar spine, symptoms of numbness in the legs may appear, but symptoms improve after a short break.
In the case of stenosis, early surgery is recommended if symptoms occur due to the pressing of the spinal cord, the center of the cervical spine and thoracic spine. In the case of lumbar stenosis, conservative treatment such as bed rest, drug treatment, and physical treatment is sufficient to relieve pain in the early stages. However, regardless of one's will, surgery is recommended if one makes a fecal mistake or if symptoms of motor paralysis occur.
Efforts are needed to maintain proper weight in order to prevent herniated disc and stenosis. Exercise is good for walking, swimming, or cycling, and yoga that repeatedly bends or moves the waist is not recommended. It is recommended to maintain the correct posture and avoid posture that puts pressure on your back, such as squatting down and bending down heavy objects. Professor Park said, `Smoking that promotes degenerative changes must also be prohibited" he advised.
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bellho@sportschosun.com
