Intervertebral hernia is the displacement of the nucleus pulposus of the disc accompanied by a rupture of the fibrous ring. The symptoms of this condition are well-known: often there is severe pain that prevents any movement.
The danger of an intervertebral disc hernia lies in its ability to easily mimic other diseases, causing even experienced doctors to record new diagnoses in the patient’s medical records.
When the cervical spine is affected, headaches and high blood pressure become constant companions of the illness. Headaches are a common symptom of cervical hernias. A large hernia compresses the spinal nerves, provoking chronic migraines.
A hernia in the thoracic spine can mimic angina, causing heart-like pain or stomach problems. Often, the signs of a hernia can be confused with diseases such as pyelonephritis, angina pectoris, ulcers, gastritis, or inflammation of the gallbladder. Many patients visit doctors complaining of pain in the upper abdomen, taking medications for gastritis, stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, and other conditions. When pain appears in the stomach, heart area, or entire chest, it is important not to rush to take medications or self-medicate. To determine the true cause of symptoms, a full examination is necessary to confirm or rule out diseases of internal organs.
Some specialists note a connection between the development of hernias in the thoracic spine and neurological disorders. Neuroses, panic attacks with choking sensations, rapid heartbeat, frequent fainting, and dizziness may develop due to impaired microcirculation of the blood associated with an exacerbation of the intervertebral hernia.
Pain in the lumbar region can radiate to the lower limbs and is often accompanied by numbness. Dysfunction of pelvic organs (urination, potency) can also sometimes mask the manifestations of lumbar hernia.
Therefore, it is very important at the first signs of the disease not to delay visiting a doctor, avoid self-treatment at home, and undergo a thorough examination to receive the correct diagnosis.
