Extended data
Lumbar disc herniation is one of the common diseases, mainly because all parts of lumbar disc (nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and cartilage plate), especially nucleus pulposus, have different degrees of degenerative changes. Under the action of external factors, the annulus fibrosus of intervertebral disc ruptures, and the nucleus pulposus tissue protrudes (or protrudes) into the back or spinal canal, which leads to the stimulation or compression of the adjacent spinal nerve roots, resulting in a series of clinical symptoms such as low back pain, numbness and pain in one or both lower limbs. The highest incidence rate of lumbar disc herniation is lumbar 4 ~ 5 and lumbar 5 ~ sacrum 1, accounting for about 95%.
Types of lumbar disc herniation
1. Heavy type
The fiber ring is partially broken, but the surface layer is still intact. At this time, the nucleus pulposus swelled into the spinal canal due to compression, but the surface was smooth. Most of this type can be alleviated or cured by conservative treatment.
2. Protrusive type
The fibrous ring is completely broken, and the nucleus pulposus protrudes into the spinal canal, only covered by the posterior longitudinal ligament or a layer of fibrous membrane, and the surface is uneven or cauliflower-like, which often requires surgical treatment.
3. No prolapse type
Ruptured and protruding intervertebral disc tissue or fragments are separated from the spinal canal or completely free. This type can not only cause nerve root symptoms, but also easily cause cauda equina symptoms, and non-surgical treatment is often ineffective.
4. Nodules of Schmohl
The nucleus pulposus enters the cancellous bone of the vertebral body through the cracks in the cartilage of the upper and lower endplate. Generally, there is only low back pain, no nerve root symptoms, and most of them do not need surgical treatment.
Reference: Lumbar Disc Herniation-Baidu Encyclopedia