Herniated Discs Flashcards
What is the purpose of a normal Disc between bones
cushioning between bones and allows for full mobility
What are 5 examples of Disc problems
Degenerated Disc
bulging disc
herniated disc
thinning disc
disc degeneration with osteophyte formation
What is a degenerated disc
When the fibrocartilage between vertebrae begin to breakdown creating a bone on bone contact.
What is a bulging disc
when the fibrocartilage of vertebrae create a buldge protruding out of the disc
What is a herniated disc
when the inner portion of the disc pushes through the outer fibrocartilage creating a hernia
what is thinning disc
where the fibrocartilage becomes thin between vertebrae
what is disc degeneration with osetophyte formation
Where the disc degenerates and then osteophytes or bony spurs form creating bone on bone contact
What is the name of the process located at Cervical 7
Spinous process
What 3 studies do we use to diagnose herniated disks
MRI
CT Scan
Myelogram
What is a consequence of herniation
Nerve root compression which causes the source of the pain
What care can be performed in a patient with suspected disk herniation (7)
Brace, corset, belt
Local heat/ ice
Massage
Traction
TENS
NSAIDs, Short Term narcotics, muscle relaxants
Back strengthening exercises
What is a TENS unit
Trans-electrical nerve stimulator
electrodes placed on site of pain and stimulation provides relief.
What is a laminectomy
excision of lamina (posterior arch of vertebra) to gain access to protruding disk to remove it
diskectomy: Micro-surgical diskectomy
decompresses the nerve root
spinal fusion
add bone graft/synthetic product for stabilization. Keeps bone off bone
