It is the most common cause of low back pain that radiates into the leg (sciatica). It occurs when the central part of the disc is displaced as a result of its degeneration or wear. It is the most common neurosurgical condition after the age of 30, with an incidence of 2-3% in the general populationIt is the most common cause of low back pain that radiates into the leg (sciatica). It occurs when the central part of the disc is displaced as a result of its degeneration or wear. It is the most common neurosurgical condition after the age of 30, with an incidence of 2-3% in the general population.
The intervertebral disc is like a shock absorber situated between the vertebrae and that progressively, with aging, loses its elastic and pressure-bearing capacity. It is composed of a central area: the nucleus pulposus and a peripheral surrounding area: the fibrous ring. Pain occurs when the herniated nucleus pulposus compresses the nerve roots that pass through the vertebral canal. Spinal regions that are most susceptible to this condition, are the cervical and the lumbar regions due to their greater mobility. Initially, the treatment is conservative, but if the pain persists, root decompression is performed through a microsurgical (microdiscectomy) approach. Occasionally, stabilization of the affected spinal segment using fusion techniques (arthrodesis) is necessary.
Treatments:
Lumbar microdiscectomy
Posterior lumbar dynamic fusion with interspinous devices
Percutaneous posterior lumbar dynamic fusion
Percutaneous posterior lumbar fusion
TLIF: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Lumbar facet joint infiltratio
Epidural and foraminal infiltration
Radiofrequency rhizolysis
Ozone therapy