Steemit Learning Challenge-S21W6; Disc Herniation
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Greetings everyone and welcome to another week of excitement. This right here is my first participation in the physiotherapy classes and I hope it turns out good.
What's disc herniation? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post. |
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Disc herniation is simply a medical condition that affects the spine. Our spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae, and between these bones are soft, cushion-like structures called discs that act as shock absorbers, which helps us to keep our spine flexible and allow us to move comfortably.
However the outer layer of these discs can weaken or tear causing the inner gel-like substance to push out or bulge out of its normal space causing what we know as herniated disc today. Just like having a jelly donut, if we press too hard on the donut, the jelly can squirt out, similar to what happens in herniated disc.
When a disc herniates, it can press on nearby nerves in the spine and this pressure can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the areas of the affected nerves.
There are a few different types of disc herniation which only differ based on where they occur in the spine and how they affect the surrounding areas. The common types of herniation are;
| Type | Region Affected |
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| Cervical Herniation | This type is said to occur in the neck region (cervical spine). |
| Thoracic Herniation | This type is said to happen in the upper and middle back (thoracic spine), i.e., the chest region. |
| Lumbar Herniation | Is said to be the most common type and occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine). |
However each of these types can have different symptoms and causes depending on where the herniation occurs, but here are some common symptoms and causes;
Pain:
The most common symptom is pain in the area where the herniation occurs.
Numbness or Tingling:
Since a herniated disc can press on nerves, it can cause an experience of a tingling sensation or numbness in the arms or legs.
Weakness:
It can also lead to weakness in arms or legs which can make it hard to lift things or even walk properly.
Sciatica:
This is often described as a sharp or burning sensation and can be experienced if the herniation is in the lower back, causing pains to travel down the legs.
Limited Movement:
A herniated disc can bring about difficult movements in the neck or back, which can limit the range of motion and make everyday activities difficult.
Aging:
As we get older, our discs lose some of their water content and become less flexible, making them more prone to herniation.
Injury:
Sports injuries, accidents, lifting heavy objects incorrectly or a sudden twist can cause a disc to herniate.
Repetitive Stress:
Jobs or activities that involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can put extra stress on the spine and lead to herniation over time.
Genetics:
Sometimes, disc problems can run in families. This means that if parents had similar issues, there is a possibility that a child is more likely to experience them too.
Obesity:
Carrying excess weight can put additional strain on the spine thereby increasing the risk of disc herniation.
How would you diagnose a disc herniation? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests? |
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To diagnose a disc herniation, I'll start by taking a detailed medical history of the patient it is stated that it can be a genetic issue, then I’ll also ask the patient about certain symptoms he or she has been experiencing late, like where he/she is feeling pain, any numbness or weakness, and how long he/she has been experiencing these issues to help me understand the situation better.
However to get a clearer picture of it I will conduct a physical examination to check posture, flexibility, and strength by asking the patient to move arms and legs in different ways to see if certain movements cause pain or discomfort because this will help me get an idea of where the problem might be.
I will further perform a neurological assessment, checking for reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory responses to see if the herniated disc is affecting any nerves. However, to be very certain if I suspect a herniated disc, I might order imaging tests like an MRI or a CT scan to get a detailed look at the spine whereas X-rays could also be useful to rule out other issues.
Lastly, if needed, I may perform an EMG to measure the electrical activity of the patients muscles to help me ensure that we get to the root of the problem and determine the best course of treatment.
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. |
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For this session, I will be performing The Cat & Cow Stretch exercise, the William Flexion and the Hip Bridging exercise.
The Cat & Cow Stretch exercise
Above is a GIF showing how I carried out the cat and cow stretch exercise to stretch out my upper back and waist regions.
The William Flexion exercise
In the GIF above, I was seen carrying out the William Flexion (knee to chest) exercise as I lay down and bend my knee upwards to my chest which helps to stretch the knee joint.
Hip Bridging exercise
Lastly, to end the exercise session, I carried out the Hip bridging exercise laying down on my back and carrying the waist upwards as shown in the GIF above to help to stretch waist and hip region.
Share your review after performing these exercises either on yourself, healthy individual or patient. |
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After doing these exercises, I feel really relaxed and relieved and I could help but hope to continue. The Cat & Cow Stretch exercise helped loosen up my spine, making me feel more flexible, the William Flexion eased the tension in my lower back, and the Hip Bridging exercise made my hips feel stronger and more balanced. Therefore, it was a great way to relieve discomfort and promote relaxation without even stepping out of my house.
I want to take this opportunity to invite @bossj23, @ruthjoe and @bonaventure24.
Thank You for your Time
NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.
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, its types. I appreciate your effort.
Task 2 (2.6/3)
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. 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 (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 any type of back pain. Thank you.