When looking at the extent of a herniated disc on an MRI () examination there are many words used to describe it. When the soft cushion between the spinal bones ruptures it is termed a herniated disc. This becomes painful when the portion of that herniated disc that pushes out places pressure on the spinal nerves or the spinal cord itself. There are three types of herniated disc that may occur: Disc protrusion: This is commonly referred to as a bulging disc. This occurs when the outer wall of the disc breaks down enough that a “bubble” or bulge can form without a rupture where the disc and ligaments remain intact. Disc Extrusion: When the outer part of a spinal disc ruptures and the inner material of the disc squeezes out it's called a disc extrusion. A disc extrusion can occur when the ligaments are intact or damaged. Disc Sequestration: A disc sequestration starts as a disc extrusion but occurs when the inner gelatinous material is not only pushed out of the, disc but when it becomes separated from that disc as well. Now that we have looked at the specific types of herniated disc, let's have a look at the different regions of the spine where discs can herniated Thoracic herniated disc: Because there is such limited space around the spinal cord in the thoracic region when a herniated disc occurs in this area of the back there is good reason to be concerned. In severe cases the patient can have enough pressure applied to the spinal cord that paralysis below the waist is a possibility. The thoracic spine is not a common place to find a herniated disc as the majority of back damage is related to the lumbar region of the back. Cervical herniated disc: As stated previously the lumbar region of the back is a more common place to find a herniated disc, but they can still be diagnosed in the cervical region of the spine. There are two factors that make the lumbar area of the spine more susceptible to herniated discs: 1.The cervical spine has much less disc material in it then the lumbar spine. 2.Through our daily activities we place more strain on our lumbar spine A herniated cervical disc is often referred to as cervical radiculopathy. Although they are no frequent, when they do occur the will extrude out the out the side of the spinal canal and put pressure on the exiting nerve root at the lower level of the cervical spine. If bone spurs or other space limiting factors exist in the area that is being affected, this added pressure to the nerve root may cause commonly diagnosed symptoms of a cervical herniated disc such as arm pain (radiculopathy), weakness in the arm and a numbness or tingling sensation throughout the arms. If the space around the foramen has not been compromised by any other factors these symptoms can be treated through conservative methods. Lumbar herniated disc: When a herniated disc occurs in this area it may apply pressure to the never causing pain that can radiate down through the leg and into the foot. Of all disc herniations ninety percent will occur at the lumber segments four and five (L4 – L5) or the lumbar segment five and sacral segment one (L5 – S1). This will affect the L5 or S1 nerve respectively.
For HID kits, color is described in terms of Kelvin (K). The higher the number, the more blueish purple it will be. Typical K colors that exist are 3000K (yellow), 4500K, 5000K, 6000K, 8000K, 10000K, 12000K. You can see a chart of the different colors at .
The yellow HID kits are good for fog lights as they yellow light penetrates fog better. all other colors are good for headlights. It is a questions of personal taste. The most popular colors are 6000K and 8000K (blueish white).
The higher colors (above 10000K) give out less lighting power. The maximum lighting output is at around 4500K.
(2) What is HI/LO? bi-xenon?
This will depend on the type of vehicle you drive. For most vehicle, the headlights have 2 bulbs each: one for low beams and one for high beams. In this case, you will need one regular HID kit for the low beams. If you also want your high-beams to be HID lights, you will need a second regular HID kit.
On some other vehicles, the headlights have one bulb each. This bulb performs the function of both the high beam and low beam. In this case, if you want to keep the high beam and low beam functions, you will need to install a special HI/LO kit. The HI/LO HID kits have special bulbs that perform both high and low beam functions.
You can also install just a regular HID kit but in this case your high beams won't work anymore.
(3) 35W vs. 55W
You might have seen 35W and 55W HID kits advertised on websites. The 35W HID kits use 35W of power to produce HID light. The 55W use more power to produce more light. The ballasts are a bit different but the bulbs are the same. The 55W HID kits cost generally more than the 35W HID kits.
This is a question of personal choice. If you need maximum light output, if you drive on very dark roads, you will want to install a 55W HID kits for more lighting power.
Both Robert Langard & Marcus Carlson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Robert Langard has sinced written about articles on various topics from Medical Condition, Fitness and Backpain. Are you interested in ? Do you need more information about. Robert Langard's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Marcus Carlson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cars, Medicine and Cars. For more photos and info, visit . Marcus Carlson's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.