What Is A Disc Herniation?

Cervical Disc Prolapse, Lumbar Discectomy Surgery, Spinal Camera Keyhole Epiduroscopy, Spinal Endoscopic Camera Keyhole Surgery, Spine Laser Disc Surgery

Disc herniation is characterized by the bulging of the intervertebral disc, which can cause symptoms such as back pain, burning sensation or numbness. It is more frequent in the cervical spine and in the lumbar spine.

The herniated disc can be classified according to the region of the spine that affects and, therefore, it can be:

Cervical disc herniation: Affects the neck region.
Thoracic disc herniation: Affects the middle region of the back.
Lumbar disc herniation: Affects the lower region of the back.

The vertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous structure that serves to avoid direct contact between one vertebra and another, and cushion the impact generated by activities such as jumping. So a disc lesion impairs the function of the spinal disc and presses other important structures of the spine such as the root of a nerve or the spinal cord.

Types of disc herniation

The onset of a disc lesion can occur when the person does not have a good posture, lifts weights without bending the knees. In this case, despite not having formed a hernia, the disc is already damaged. It has a smaller thickness, but still maintains its original format: oval. If the person does not improve posture and their lifestyle, in a few years, they may develop a herniated disc.

The hernia occurs when the vertebral disc loses its original format, ceasing to be oval, forming a bulge that is a kind of ‘gout’, which can press the root of the sciatic nerve, for example. So the 3 types of herniated disc that exist are:

Protruding herniated disc: It is the most common type and it is when the nucleus of the disc remains intact, but there is already loss of the oval form.
Disc extrusion: When the disc nucleus is deformed and leaks outside the annulus, forming a ‘drop’.
Sequestered herniation: When the nucleus is very damaged and can even be divided into two parts.

Symptoms of a herniated disc

The main symptom of a herniated disc is the intense pain in the region where it is located, but it can also generate the following symptoms:

Cervical disc herniation

-Pain in the neck or nape.
-Difficulty in moving the neck or raising the arms.
-There may be a feeling of weakness, numbness or tingling in one of the arms, elbows, hands or fingers.

Lumbar disc herniation

– Pain in the lower region of the back.
– Difficulty moving, bending over, getting up or turning in bed.
– Feeling of numbness in the buttocks, and/or in the legs, in the back, in front or in the inner part of one of the legs.
– Burning sensation in the path of the sciatic nerve that goes from the spine to the feet.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of the herniated disc can be made through the observation of the symptoms and the physical examination. Specialists can confirm it with examinations such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, which help to evaluate the spinal disc, its thickness, the exact location of the hernia and what type of hernia it is.

Treatment

By confirming that there are one or more herniated discs, the doctor may indicate the treatment. It ranges from physiotherapy, Pilates, Global Postural Reeducation, osteopathy, Spinal Injections or surgery. Normally surgery is the last treatment option, being reserved for cases where the person does not show improvement of the symptoms with the other forms of treatment.

At the London Spine Unit, we have some of the best specialists to diagnose and treat your disc herniation. Book an appointment to get a checkup.

Spinal disc herniation

Percutaneous laser disc decompression versus conventional microdiscectomy for patients with sciatica: Two-year results of a randomised controlled trial.

Sciatica Specialist Harley Street

Lumbar microdiscectomy

What are the types of disc herniation?

The 3 types of herniated disc that exist are: Protruding herniated disc: It is the most common type and it is when the nucleus of the disc remains intact, but there is already loss of the normal shape of the disc. Disc extrusion: When the disc nucleus is leaks outside the annulus forming a 'drop'. Sequestered herniation: When the nucleus is very damaged and can become detached from the main component and often can be divided into two parts.

What are the symptoms of a herniated disc?

The main symptom of a herniated disc is the intense pain in the region where it is located, but it can also generate the following symptoms: In cervical disc herniation the patient can have pain in the neck or nape and refer into the arm, difficulty in moving the neck or raising the arms, there may be a feeling of weakness, numbness or tingling in one of the arms, elbows, hands or fingers. In case of lumbar disc herniation, the patient has pain in the lower region of the back, difficulty moving, bending over, getting up or turning in bed, feeling of numbness in the buttocks, and/or in the legs, in the back, in front or in the inner part of one of the legs and burning sensation in the path of the sciatic nerve that goes from the spine to the feet.

How to diagnose disc herniation?

0/5 (0 Reviews)

Truspilot Reviews

2022-06-10

Fabulous service Fabulous service. Mr Akmal truly cares about his patients and how he can improve their quality of life. I would recommend him to anyone with any kind of spinal issue.

Honeywell Paul

2022-06-08

Truly excellent results! I was diagnosed with lumbar stenosis after experiencing increasing pain in both legs. An MRI and consultation carried out at short notice confirmed this. Mr Akmal recommended that a spacer should be inserted in my lower back to correct the problem and release the nerves from the narrowing caused by stenosis. The operation was conducted very professionally and without pain. After the first two weeks the pain started to subside as expected. After 4 weeks I was completely back to normal. The result is exceptionally good and I feel renewed, with no pain whatsoever and a regained posture, ready to resume a normal life. I cannot recommend The London Spine Unit highly enough. They are medical magicians!

c etri

2022-06-06

Sciatica My mother was in absolute agony for more than 3 months due to sciatica. It just came out of nowhere and took her out of action. From working full time she went straight to being bed bound and unable to carry out simplest of actions.The pain was 9/10 and she was bed bound for those three months. Multiple trips to A&E and GP and they wouldn't class it as an emergency therefore they wouldn't do anything about it other than upgrading the painkillers which did next to nothing for my mother. I couldn't bear to watch my mother sleeping on A&E bench in pain for 7 hours, just to be told by doctors that she wouldn't be kept in. I remember her joining her hands and begging the doctors to stop the pain which broke my heart. I then started doing research on google and London spine unit came up with Dr Mo AKMAL's profile and review. First meeting with Dr AKMAL was via ZOOM as my mother was bed bound. Dr AKMAL spoke to me and my mom and told us that this is nothing to worry about and that the pain would be 100% gone.Dr AKMAL assured us to visit the hospital so he could physically inspect my mother and give us the best solution. One trip to the london spine unit and Dr AKMAL advised us that the best solution would be to carry out Minimally invasive disectomy. Dr AKMAL advised that due to my mother being bed bound for a while, steroid injection might not give the result that my mother wishes. Dr AKMAL was very confident and showed us some videos from other patients who had gone through the same ordeal. The biggest thing i noticed between before and after was the smile on the patients face. Dr AKMAL was constantly assuring my mother throughout the meeting that he would take care of her pain and gave her 100% confidence that the result would be delivered.He promised her that she would be walking pain free the same day after the operation. Before the operation Dr GURUNG was consulted multiple times and he also was very helpful. Right after the surgery, as Dr AKMAL promised, my mother was walking and the biggest thing was that the pain was gone. My mother had forgotten to smile for three months and there i saw her smiling again. Dr AKMAL and Dr GURUNG gave us brilliant aftercare and informed us that just give them a ring if there was any issue. Its been several weeks now and my mother is heading towards complete recovery without any issues. The pain is completely gone and anyone who is reading this going through the same horrible sciatica pain you must come and see Dr AKMAL. Thank you Dr AKMAL and your whole team for helping my mom achieve this pain free life.

Frank Otuo

2022-05-18

Extraordinary Care My 81 year old mother who has retired in Ghana was suffering from severe lower back pain so a local surgeon put her through discectomy with hardware (spine screws). The procedure was essentially botched, with one screw breaching her spinal canal resulting in extreme pain; unable to walk, pins and needles and numbness in the left leg. The hardware subsequently had become infected and loosened as a result. Her life after this surgery was the worse she has ever experienced in all her life. She had no doubt that she was eventually to die from the infection and pain. Fortunately, through diligent search, we found Mr Akmal and his team at The UK Spine Centre. She had a zoom consultation and with a ready MRI and CT scan, Mr Akmal knew exactly how to have her back to fitness and a better quality of life. She travelled to England on 26 March 2022 and had the surgery on 11 April 2022. It was a day-case. It lasted no more than 1 hour 30 minutes. She was on my feet within 2 hours pain free - still pain free 5 weeks on! To her this is simply a miracle ! She is grateful to Jehovah God for Mr Akmal and his team - thoroughly professional bunch at the top of their game. No one deserves to suffer the pain she experienced for two years. She seriously recommends Mr Akmal and his team for anything SPINE!

Luke O'Brien

2022-05-18

Bilateral discectomy and dynamic stabilisation for complete foot drop From the first phone call, the team at London Spine have been amazing. I had severe symptoms following an L4/L5 disc injury from playing sports and had complete foot drop. Mr Akmal and his team treated the situation incredibly sensitively, as I had risk of permanent damage. The whole process was so quick, from initial consultation to operation was about 96 hours. On the day of the operation, the nurses couldn’t have been more helpful, attentive and calming. The surgery was flawless, with absolutely zero pain from the operation following. I am now 8 weeks from a bi-lateral discectomy and dynamic stabilisation procedure and have regained full use of my leg and toes, with a complete range of motion also. Mr Akmal’s aftercare has been first class, with regular calls from his team in the 2 weeks following the surgery, to the final consultation and discharge. Thanks so much for giving me my life back

2022-05-09

Excellent treatment Mr Mo Akmal treated me very successfully for 2 torn discs in my back. I was in tremendous pain before I was referred to him. The treatment I received from him was excellent and he communicated with me very well throughout the whole process. I am eternally grateful to Mr Akmal for sorting out my back and would highly recommend him.

shahnaz Choudhury

2022-04-22

I had a massive bulging disk on my back… I had a massive bulging disk on my back compressing my nerve for three years. It caused me excruciating pain and almost left me disabled. I was on both crutches and completely homebound due to the severity of pain and mobility limitations. I had my lumber surgery two weeks ago and walked out of hospital within a few hours pain free on my right leg that was almost paralysing prior to surgery. The disk was shaved off releasing the nerve completely. Two days after surgery I had excruciating pain on my head that is unexplained as I had CT scan and MRI which were all fine. Dr Akmal has suggested it could be from the anaesthetic. I am extremely grateful to Dr Akmal and his very welcoming and cari g team. I would highly recommend his clinic as I have had excellent recovery.

MR HARVEY

2022-04-02

Thank you Mr Aklam After having a poor and very slow experiance in glasgow . I contacted Mr mo Amlam . Who is a true gentleman, great listener and paitent . We transfered my scans and treatments from glasgow to harley street . Mr Aklams p.a arranged a quick zoom to start our contact .I then went down for a meeting and examination and what should have been a spec scan .only to be told of a UK shortage . So 4 weeks later the scan took place in wellington hospital . Before I traveled back to glasgow. 5 days later I got a call to book me in to 19 harley street for a l3 and l4 debridement and stabilisation. The opp took place on 24th March. 2hours I was out walking 4 hours later . My pain in back groin and foot was all gone .thanks to Mr aklam . Top of his craft but more importantly pouts his patients first .he really wants to help you get better. Thank you so much Mr Robert harvey

Ken Carswell

2022-03-22

Amazing service and an amazing treatment! I can't thank Mr Akmal and team at the London Spine Unit enough for their help. I had a herniated disc in my back which was causing pain and restrictions. Compared to other offers of surgery (e.g. several nights in hospital), the day surgery and minimally invasive procedure were hugely appealing. I am now 3 weeks post surgery, have no pain and am recovering incredibly quickly if I compare myself to friends who have had a similar procedure. it was truly remarkable, straightforward and the team were kind, friendly and always helpful. very highly recommended!

customer

2022-03-17

Great service and painless procedure Great service and painless procedure. Definitely alleviated the pain

London Spine Unit Harley Street Hospital

A Focus on High Quality Specialised Care

We are a specialist Private Hospital based on Harley Street, London UK The Harley Street Hospital, Day Surgery Hospital

We provide exclusive health services for individuals seeking Advanced medical, non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments. We are covered by All Insurance Companies apart from AXA PPP

Our Medical Director and Lead Spinal Surgeon Mr Mo Akmal MD is a world renowned Spine Specialist Consultant with over 20 years of experience. He and his team have developed revolutionary techniques to perform all types of Spinal Surgery as a Day Case procedure without traditional General Anaesthetic.

We are constantly improving our techniques for treatment and improving facilities for our patients.

Book your Appointment Now
Check out our Reviews
Check out our Patient Videos
Check our Mr Akmal’s Profile