Description 概述
A disk begins to herniate when its jelly-like nucleus pushes against its outer ring due to wear and tear or a sudden injury. This pressure against the outer ring may cause lower back pain.
當椎間盤果凍狀髓核由於磨損或突然受傷擠壓外環時，可致椎間盤突出，施加在外環上的壓力可導致腰部疼痛。
If the pressure continues, the jelly-like nucleus may push all the way through disk’s outer ring or cause the ring to bulge. This puts pressure on the spinal cord and nearby nerve roots. In addition, the disk material releases chemical irritants that contribute to nerve inflammation. When a nerve root is irritated, there may be pain, numbness, and weakness in one or both of your legs, a condition called “sciatica.”
如果壓力持續存在，髓核會一直擠壓間盤的外環，導致外環膨脹，這會對脊髓和附近的神經根造成壓力。此外，椎間盤會釋放化學刺激物，導致神經炎症。當神經根受到刺激時，一側或雙下肢可能會疼痛、麻木和無力，這種情況稱為“坐骨神經痛”。
Cause 病因
A herniated disk is most often the result of natural, age-related wear and tear on the spine. This process is called disk degeneration. In children and young adults, disks have high water content. As people age, the water content in the disks decreases and the disks become less flexible. The disks begin to shrink and the spaces between the vertebrae get narrower. This normal aging process makes the disks more prone to herniation.
椎間盤突出通常是由於脊柱自然的、年齡相關的磨損造成的，這個過程稱為椎間盤退變。在兒童和年輕人中，間盤的含水量很高，隨著年齡的增長，間盤中的水分含量減少，間盤變得不那麼有彈性，椎間盤開始縮小，椎骨之間的空間變窄。這種正常的老化過程使椎間盤更容易突出。
A traumatic event, such as a fall, can also cause a herniated disk.
外傷，如跌倒，也會導致椎間盤突出。
Risk Factors 危險因素
Certain factors may increase your risk of a herniated disk. These include:
增加椎間盤突出的危險因素包括:
Gender. Men between the ages of 20 and 50 are most likely to have a herniated disk.
性別。年齡在20到50歲之間的男性最有可能患椎間盤突出。
Improper lifting. Using your back muscles instead of your legs to lift heavy objects can cause a herniated disk. Twisting while you lift can also make your back vulnerable. Lifting with your legs, not your back, may protect your spine.
搬重物姿勢不正確。用背部肌肉而不是腿部肌肉來舉起重物會導致椎間盤突出。搬重物時扭動身體也會使腰部受損，用腿發力舉重，可以保護脊椎。
Weight. Being overweight puts added stress on the disks in your lower back.
體重。體重過重會增加腰椎間盤的壓力。
Repetitive activities that strain your spine. Many jobs are physically demanding. Some require constant lifting, pulling, bending, or twisting. Using safe lifting and movement techniques can help protect your back.
過度勞損。 許多需要不斷抬、拉、彎曲或扭動的工作易傷腰，用合理的抬、運技術可以保護背部。
Frequent driving. Staying seated for long periods, plus the vibration from the car engine, can put pressure on your spine and disks.
經常開車。長時間坐著，加上汽車引擎的震動，會對脊椎和椎間盤造成壓力。
Sedentary lifestyle. Regular exercise is important in preventing many medical conditions, including a herniated disk.
久坐不動的生活方式。有規律的運動對預防許多疾病很重要，包括椎間盤突出。
Smoking. It is believed that smoking lessens the oxygen supply to the disk and causes more rapid degeneration.
吸菸。吸菸可以減少對椎間盤的供氧，導致更快的退化。
Symptoms 症狀
In most cases, low back pain is the first symptom of a herniated disk. This pain may last for a few days, then improve. Other symptoms may include:
在多數情況下，腰痛是椎間盤突出的首發症狀，腰痛會持續幾天，然後緩解。其他症狀包括：
- Sciatica. This is a sharp, often shooting pain that extends from the buttock down the back of one leg. It is caused by pressure on the spinal nerve.
坐骨神經痛。 這是一種劇烈的，經常發作的疼痛，從臀部一直延伸到 腿的後部，這是由於脊神經受壓引起的。
- Numbness or a tingling sensation in the leg and/or foot
腿和/或腳的麻木感或刺痛感
- Weakness in the leg and/or foot
腿和/或腳無力
- Loss of bladder or bowel control. This is extremely rare and may indicate a more serious problem called cauda equina syndrome. This condition is caused by the spinal nerve roots being compressed. It requires immediate medical attention.
大小便障礙。 這是極為罕見的，可能預示著出現嚴重的馬尾綜合徵的問題， 這種情況是由於脊神經根受壓而引起的，需要立即就醫。
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