Hnp (nucleus pulposus hernia): symptoms, medications, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is a nucleus pulposus hernia (HNP)?

A herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is when the disc or disc has shifted from its original position causing the disc to degenerate and rupture. Usually a nucleus pulposus hernia occurs when a person has an injury to the disc. This condition often results in a condition called a pinched nerve.

HNP can occur in any part of the spine. However, the lower back is one of the most commonly experienced nucleus pulposus hernias. As a result, a person is more likely to experience back pain.

When a slipped disc presses on a nerve root, it causes back pain that radiates to the leg (also known as sciatica). When it occurs in the neck, it causes neck pain. Pressing on the nerve root of the arm will cause pain in the neck, shoulder and arm along the pinched area.

How common is this condition?

HNP is a condition that can occur in men and women at any age. However, this condition is more common in someone who is 30-50 years old. Most patients improve after treatment.

HNP is a preventable disease. You can avoid this disease by reducing your risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a nucleus pulposus hernia (HNP)?

Most HNP occurs in the lower back, aka the waist. However, low back pain is different from the conditions caused by HNP. Most cases of HNP cause no symptoms.

Signs and symptoms depend on where the disc is located and whether it is pressing on the nerve. A person only finds out that they have a nucleus pulposus hernia when they do a scan or the symptoms are already severe.

In general, some of the typical symptoms of HNP are:

• Arm or leg pain. If the HNP is in the lower back, you will usually feel the worst pain in the buttocks, thighs, and calves. You may feel pain in the leg too. If the condition occurs in the neck, you will usually feel the worst pain in your shoulder and arm. This pain may radiate to your arm or leg when you cough, sneeze, or move into certain positions.
• Tingling or numbness. Some parts of the body, such as the back, shoulders, hands, and feet, often experience tingling or numbness.
• Weak muscles. The muscles around the affected nerve will gradually dilate. This condition can cause a decrease in your ability to lift or carry goods.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Call your doctor if pain in your back and neck radiates to your arms and legs, and especially if the pain is numb, tingling and tired. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes hernia nucleus pulposus (HNP)?

HNP is a condition that is usually caused by the aging process. As you age, the plates of your joints will lose water content. This condition makes the joint disk brittle, cracked, shifting, and difficult to be flexible.

The use of the back muscles to lift heavy objects can also cause the discs to slip. In some rare cases, you may also experience a displacement of the disc when you fall backwards.

Risk Factors

What increases the risk of developing a nucleus pulposus hernia (HNP)?

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing HNP are:

• Doing some repetitive, long-lasting activities such as bending or twisting excessively.
• Do vigorous exercise.
• Smoking is thought to reduce the oxygen supply to the disc, making it more susceptible to damage.
• Being overweight because of excess body weight will put pressure on the disk joints in the lower back.
• If your parents, grandparents, or siblings have this condition, you are at higher risk for developing HNP as well.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for a nucleus pulposus hernia (HNP)?

Treatment of HNP depends on the severity of symptoms. About 95 percent of people with this condition recover without surgery. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce pain and relax your back muscles. Usually the doctor will ask you to get more rest and avoid doing strenuous activities for a while.

Physical therapy will include special exercises to relieve back pain and may also be recommended by your doctor. When medications and physical therapy are ineffective, doctors may inject painkillers into the affected area.

Sometimes you may need surgery if symptoms persist after several weeks of treatment.

In almost all cases of HNP, the doctor will remove a part of the protruding joint disc. In this case, the spine may need to be joined with a bone graft.

To allow the process of balancing the spine which can take months, a metal hard instrument is placed on the spine to provide balance. In rare cases, your doctor may suggest an artificial disc implant.

What are the tests to diagnose a nucleus pulposus hernia?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, your doctor will check if your disc has slipped based on your medical history and physical examination. During a physical exam, your doctor will check your back pain.

You may be asked to lie down and move your legs into various positions to help determine the cause of the pain. Your doctor may also perform neurological tests to check:

• Reflex
• Muscle strength
• Ability to walk
• Ability to feel a soft touch or vibration.

In most cases of HNP, a physical examination and medical history are two sufficiently complete ways to make a diagnosis. However, if your doctor suspects another condition or needs to see which nerves are affected, you may be asked to do imaging tests, such as:

• X-ray
• CT scan
• MRI
• Myelogram

Additionally, electromyogram and nerve studies can measure how well electricity moves along the nerve tissue. This can help determine the location of nerve damage.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a nucleus pulposus hernia (HNP)?

Some of the lifestyle changes and home remedies for treating HNP are:

• Limiting physical activity that is too strenuous.
• Much rest.
• Do light exercise to relax stiff nerves. However, it's best if you consult your doctor first about what sports you can and shouldn't do.
• Ask your doctor when you can work again and return to normal activities.
• Contact a doctor if symptoms worsen.
• Call your doctor if you experience paralysis in the legs, anus pain, difficulty urinating or passing stools, and sudden muscle weakness in any part of the body, especially the legs.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.