Discopathy

Describes the degenerative process of the lumbar spine, cervical or dorsal column. The first changes occur within the intervertebral disc (the cartilage located between 2 vertebrae and consisting of the annulus or fibrous ring and a central part, more mobile for the high content of water, the nucleus pulpy). The forces generated by daily movements (lifting weights, improper postures, postural stress) can cause cracks in the annulus through which the core material escapes, causing the protrusions of the disc that, over time, can progressively become hernias. more important, associated with intermittent sciatica or brachialgia. Sometimes the material can completely escape (extruded hernia) causing sciatica or constant brachialgia with motor deficit and a significant disorder caused by compression of the spinal nerve. Over time these changes in the intervertebral disc lead to a reduction in the height of the disc and the space between the vertebrae, subjecting the latter to a greater load and generating arthrotic changes at the joints. However, even if the presence of a discopathy is confirmed by radiographs or other diagnostic tests, it is possible that the pain is absent and that the symptoms are not necessarily related to these changes, but to the normal aging process, just like the incanutimento hair and wrinkle formation.