What is a Herniated Disc?
Intervertebral discs are soft, cushion-like structures located between spinal vertebrae, are composed of water-rich fibrous tissue that supports the body, absorbs shock, and maintain spinal flexibility. The lumbar region typically has five such discs. However, when excessive pressure causes a disc to protrude backward, it may compress nerves, leading to back pain and, in severe cases, leg weakness or loss of bladder and bowel control. While 70-80% of back pain stems from muscle strain, persistent or worsening symptoms should raise suspicion of a herniated disc, requiring early MRI examination to prevent delayed treatment.
High-Risk Groups and Causes of Herniated Disc
Dr Lam Cheung-hing Eric, Honorary Consultant in Orthopaedics & Traumatology at Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, explains that the risk of developing a herniated disc depends on factors such as age, occupation, family history, and lifestyle habits. Individuals aged 30-50 are more prone to acute herniated discs, as habits such as frequent heavy lifting accelerate ligament degeneration, increasing the likelihood of disc protrusion. In contrast, those aged 60-70 often experience chronic degenerative herniation, where discs sink due to long-term wear, potentially causing spinal stenosis. Ligament weakening or minor injuries can also hasten disc degeneration, reducing support and triggering pain, inflammation, or bone spur growth.
Treatment Options and Lifestyle Improvements
Most herniated discs can be managed with conservative treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or physical therapy, paired with exercises such as swimming to enhance spinal stability. If conservative methods fail, robotic-arm assisted minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery is a safe and precise alternative, requiring only 1-inch incisions and using titanium screws and implants to stabilise the disc. Most patients can walk the day after surgery and be discharged within three to four days. Robotic-arm navigation technology enhances screw placement accuracy to 98.8%, reducing nerve injury risk to below 1%, helping patients swiftly return to normal life. 🔎 Click here to watch the video (in Cantonese only) for Dr Lam Cheung-hing Eric's insights on the causes and treatment options for herniated discs, and learn how to protect your spinal health.
甚麼是椎間盤突出？
椎間盤是位於脊椎骨之間的軟組織，富含水分纖維，具備支撐身體、吸收衝擊並提供脊椎靈活性的功能。腰椎區域有五個椎間盤，但當椎間盤因過度壓力而向後突出時，可能壓迫神經，引發腰痛，嚴重可導致腿部無力，甚至影響大小便功能。雖然70%-80%的腰痛僅源自肌肉酸痛，但若症狀持續未獲緩解，應考慮是否有椎間盤突出的情況，並及早進行磁力共振檢查，以免延誤治療。
椎間盤突出的高危險族群與成因
港怡醫院骨科名譽顧問醫生林祥慶指出，椎間盤突出的風險因年齡、職業、家族史及生活習慣而異。30-50歲人群較易發生急性椎間盤突出，因經常搬重物等習慣會加速韌帶退化，增加突出風險。60-70歲長者則多見慢性退化性突出，椎間盤因長期磨損而沉降，可能引致椎管狹窄等問題。韌帶弱化或輕微損傷也會加速椎間盤退化，導致支撐力下降，即使只是簡單動作也可能引發疼痛、發炎或長出骨刺。
治療方面與生活改善
大多數椎間盤突出可透過保守治療改善，如服用消炎藥、肌肉鬆弛劑或進行物理治療，配合游泳等運動強化脊椎穩定性。若保守治療無效，可考慮機械臂輔助微創脊椎融合術，這是一項安全且有效的治療方式，手術僅需透過約一寸的傷口，使用鈦金屬螺絲和植入物穩定椎間盤；一般來說，術後第二天即可下床活動，三至四天便可出院。機械臂導航技術進一步提升椎弓根螺絲置入成功率至98.8%，同時降低神經損傷風險（低於1%），幫助患者快速恢復正常生活。 🔎 請按此觀看影片，由林祥慶醫生講解椎間盤突出的成因與治療方案，深入了解如何保護脊椎健康 | 
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