The back and its aches
Herniation of an intervertebral disk
What is backache?
Backache is often referred to as the "ache of our times" because many people suffer from it at least once in their life.
Backache can have a wide range of causes and depends on the morphology, past history and activities of each individual. Back pain can appear as a result of certain conditions such as arthrosis, herniation of an intervertebral disk, sciatica, lumbago and so on.
Certain conditions are chronic, that is, they progress throughout life. Others are acute, that is, they occur following a false movement or physical overwork.
The spinal column (or backbone) supports many mechanical and physiological constraints. The vertebrae are complex in structure: a network of ligaments, articular apophyses and intervertebral disks. They allow the spinal column to play all its different roles: mobility of the trunk and head, protection of the spinal cord and circulation of information through the nerves that come out of the spinal column and travel out towards the organs and muscles.
Back pain occurs:
- When one of the parts of the vertebrae deteriorates, as is the case in lumbar arthrosis, cervical arthrosis or herniation of an intervertebral disk.
- When the elements come into conflict with each other that is, when they "lean" on each other as is the case in sciatica or lumbago.
What is a herniation of an intervertebral disk?
Herniation of an intervertebral disk is a condition that affects the intervertebral disks. The term "hernia" designates the ejection of pulp from the disk following the rupture of the fibrous part of its structure.
Intervertebral disks act as shock absorbers within the spinal column. With age, the structure of the disks weakens. After a false movement, a sports trauma, a bad position or a repeated activity that sollicits the back, the fibrous part can rupture, causing the hernia.
People who lack physical exercise and who suddenly take up sport, people who are overweight and pregnant women are the most commonly affected. More men are affected than women.
Herniation of an intervertebral disk results in lombalgia, sciatica (pain at the level of the sciatic nerve) or cruralgia (pain at the level of the crural nerve).
Orthopaedic treatment
The orthopaedic solution has to objectives: to decrease the pain and maintain a good position (physiological lordosis).
During an acute episode, wearing a
standard or made-to-measure lumbar support belt rests the musculature and maintains a good position.
After an episode or during professional or leisure activities, wearing a lumbar support belt increases the level of vigilance (prevents false movements) and decreases the constraints exerted on the vertebrae.
A lumbar support belt perfectly adapted to your morphology will allow you to continue your daily activities. There is a wide range of belts available to fit in with your lifestyle.
Contrary to popular opinion, wearing a lumbar support belt (even for long periods) does not increase the risk of muscle loss (abdominal and dorsal muscles).
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
