Steemit Learning Challenge-S21W6; Disc Herniation"

Hello Friends,
It was good to see my last participation in this great class. It was worth all the time and resources. I hope you also get another opportunity to teach us more. However, let's get started...

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What's disc herniation? Write in your own words after getting knowledge from the lesson post.

Disc Herniation

This is a condition commonly found in the aged population because of its peculiarities of wear and tear. The disc contains two major parts that are located around the spine. The nucleus pulposus, which houses the soft gel that allows for cushioning and flexing, and the annulus fibrosus, which contains the nucleus pulposus. It is the strong and outermost layer of the disc.

Therefore, disc herniation has to do with a slipped or punctured disc, which may be caused by several factors. When the nucleus pulposus enlarges and tears through the annulus fibrosus, it presses on the spinal nerves with the resultant effect of pain. The body system. in response, may cause inflammation, which also increases pain levels.

Causes of Disc Herniation

1. Age - This is one common cause of disc herniation and this is found among the aged population. This is primarily caused by wear and tear from loss of elasticity.

2. Injury/Trauma - Heavy lifting of objects may do us this harm or sudden dashing of disc region on a hard surface.

3. Daily Unhealthy Routine - This is where our job roles fall into. The constant bending and lifting continuously put the disc under pressure.

4. Genetically induced - There are cases where this is transferred from person to person through genetic inclination.

Symptoms of Disc Herniation

To determine the symptoms of disc herniation, we have to look at them from areas where this herniation occurred.

1.Lower Back Disc Herniation:

• Observed pains at the lower back of the disc
• Tingling or numbness that goes down to the leg region
• Pains and weakness that also occur down to the leg region

2.Cervical Disc Herniation

• This occurs around the neck region and, therefore, causes. pain around this region
• Severe pains as the case may be around the shoulder and arm area.
• Tingling and numbness are observed around the arm and shoulder region.

Preventive Measures

1. We have to maintain healthy weights to avoid unbearing pressure on the disc/spine region.

2. Regular and routine exercise to help build up muscles for spine support. We can not overemphasize the importance of exercise in our daily activities.

3. Good Posture practice. We have to be intentional about how we sit, stand, bend, and walk. Doing this rightly helps distribute weight in the right proportion to the spine.

4. Using the right Techniques. This ensures we use the right way of doing things. If we must pick up or lift objects from the floor, it is ideal we bend from the knee with our back straightly placed. The female gender is the most used of this technique.

How would you diagnose a disc herniation? Any clinical investigation or assessment tests?

Diagnosing disc herniation is as important as preventing it. An early dictation would help for quicker relief and treatment. We can diagnose disc herniation through the following;

1. Through thorough "Medical history Profiling".
   This is done by medical personnel to help put vital records in the book. Records including previous trauma and injuries around the spine region.

2. Through Physical Examination
   This is done through checking of pains, range of motion, arm and leg reflexes, and muscle capacity.

3. Through Imaging Tests
   We have the X-ray that helps check for the possibility of bone growth abnormality and disc space size. The MRI helps to give a well-captured view of the nerves. And tissues, ascertaining if they are in good shape or not. In some cases, the CT scan is used to help capture a holistic view. the spin.

4. Through Special Tests.
   Special tests could be used while diagnosing disc herniation. We have the "Nerve Conducting Studies" that help identify how electrical signals travel along these nerves. This would help determine compressed or damaged nerve regions.

The EMG (Electromyograpghy) in this case helps determine electrical signals on muscles which in turn shows if there are nerve issues.

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.

Hip Bridging Exercise

I felt some stretch in my back. At a time, it was shaky for me to keep up with the posture. over time. Though a little stretching, this is good to help strengthen the back muscles. No pain during exercise but rather useful.