What is a Herniated Disc?
In Vietnam, herniated disc typically affects individuals aged 30–60, but the condition is increasingly seen in younger populations with potentially severe complications.
A herniated disc is a condition where the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc protrudes from its normal position, penetrating through the ligament and compressing the spinal canal or nerve roots, causing spinal pain, numbness, and tingling. The two most common sites are cervical disc herniation and lumbar disc herniation.
Causes of Herniated Disc
Poor Posture During Work
Heavy lifting or improper manual labor can easily cause spinal injuries, leading to a herniated disc.
Trauma
Sports activities or accidents such as falls or traffic collisions can exert significant force, altering the structure and position of the disc.
Congenital Conditions
Conditions such as scoliosis, spina bifida, or spinal degeneration increase the risk of disc herniation.
Wearing High Heels
Women wearing excessively high-heeled shoes increase the risk of disc protrusion, herniation, and deformities in the calf muscles and ligaments.
Signs of a Herniated Disc
+ Cervical Disc Herniation:
» Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder, radiating to the scapula.
» Numbness or loss of sensation in the thumb or wrist.
» Increased pain when turning or extending the neck, working excessively, or driving.
» Reduced flexibility in arm movements.
+ Lumbar Disc Herniation:
» Sudden and severe lower back pain.
» Inability to extend or bend the back.
» Lower back pain accompanied by sciatica.
» Pain intensifies when sitting, lying on the side, coughing, sneezing, or defecating.
Complications of a Herniated Disc
Widespread pain
Spinal stenosis
Permanent disability
Brachial plexus compression
Bladder dysfunction
Autonomic nervous system disorders
Non-Medicated Treatment
At Nguyen Tung Orthopedic Clinic Vung Tau, our Graston Technique effectively releases tight muscle areas. This method is far more efficient than other treatments for muscle strain, often providing noticeable relief after just one session.
