Hernia nucleus pulposus (HNP) is a disease that occurs when the bearings of the vertebrae shift and press on the spinal nerves. HNP is also known as a 'pinched nerve'.
This pinched spinal nerve can cause symptoms of low back pain (lumbago), upper back pain, or pain in the neck, depending on the location of the HNP.
Most HNP diseases can heal on their own. However, if the pain persists for months, the doctor can provide a type of treatment that is adjusted to the severity of the patient's symptoms.
Symptoms of Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
If the sliding pad does not pinch the nerve, the sufferer may experience only mild back pain or no pain at all. However, when a hernia compresses or pinches a spinal nerve, the symptoms that appear depend on the location and amount of the pinched nerve. This condition can cause back pain left, right, or both, which radiates to the thigh or leg.
Here are the symptoms of a pinched nerve based on its location:
Symptoms of HNP in the neck
HNP that pinches the nerves in the neck is also known as cervical HNP. Some of the symptoms are:
- Pain in the neck and shoulders that radiates to the arms.
- Tingling, weakness, or muscle stiffness in one arm.
- A burning sensation in the neck, shoulders, and arms.
Symptoms of HNP in the lower back
Lumbar HNP, or hernias that pinch the nerves in the waist or lower back, can cause the following symptoms:
- Pain in the lower back that gets worse with movement. Sometimes, pain can also be felt in the tailbone.
- Pain like a stabbing in the buttocks area that radiates to one leg.
- Tingling or muscle weakness in the legs.
Although rare, lumbar HNP can also cause the sufferer to be unable to hold urine.
When to go to the doctor
Consult a doctor if the pain in the back does not go away, radiates to the legs, or causes tingling and muscle weakness in the legs.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you feel back pain that causes you to wet the bed, can't hold a bowel movement, is paralyzed, or occurs after an injury.
One of the treatments for HNP is physiotherapy. Regularly consult with a medical rehab doctor to get the right therapy program and evaluate the results of physiotherapy.
Causes of Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
HNP is caused by weakening of the tissue in the spinal cord. As we age, the flexibility of the spinal discs decreases, making them more susceptible to injury. HNP can also occur due to a person falling or experiencing an impact on the spine, so that the spine shifts (spondylolisthesis).
In addition, there are several other factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing a pinched nerve, namely:
- Have a family history of pinched nerves.
- Have excess weight.
- Lifting heavy weights with the wrong position and support.
- Performs sudden or repetitive bending and twisting movements.
- Have a smoking habit.
Diagnosis of Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
The doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced and what activities the patient did before the symptoms appeared. Then, the doctor will perform a physical examination, especially a neurological examination.
Nerve examination is done by measuring muscle strength and reflexes, as well as the ability of body parts to feel stimuli.
If it is suspected that you have HNP, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations to find the cause of the back pain you feel, such as:
- CT Scan or MRI scan, to see the condition of the spine.
- Electromyography (EMG), to measure the electrical activity of muscles when they contract.
Treatment of Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
Most HNP patients recover on their own within a few weeks to months. During this period, the patient is advised to lie down a lot and not to do strenuous activities.
However, it is still necessary to move so that the joints and muscles are not stiff. Patients can also compress the painful area with warm or cold compresses. If the symptoms still do not subside, consult a doctor.
Doctors can perform the following actions to treat a pinched nerve:
- Administration of drugs, including pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and corticosteroid injections.
- Physiotherapy.
If the above methods still do not relieve symptoms or the patient has difficulty standing, walking, and controlling urination, a neurosurgeon or orthopedic doctor will perform spinal surgery.
Complications of Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
Untreated pinched nerves can cause pain to get worse and make it difficult for the patient to move, as well as other complications below:
- Urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence.
- Loss of sensation in the area around the anus and inner thighs.
- Permanent nerve damage leading to paralysis.
Prevention of Hernia Nucleus Pulposus (HNP)
While HNP can't always be prevented, you can reduce your risk of a pinched nerve by taking the following steps:
- Exercise regularly, especially sports that can strengthen muscles and joints in the legs and back, such as swimming.
- Maintain good posture, such as sitting with a straight back, or lifting weights in the correct position.
- Maintain an ideal body weight, to prevent excess pressure on the spine.
- Quit smoking, because the content in cigarettes can reduce the supply of oxygen to the spinal cord.
- Get up occasionally and stretch if your job requires you to sit for long periods of time.