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Treatment of a herniated disc

A herniated disc is a pathological condition in which part of the intervertebral disc protrudes beyond its normal anatomical boundaries. The disc consists of a hard outer shell and a soft, jelly-like nucleus inside. When the shell of the disc is destroyed, the inner nucleus bulges outward, forming a hernia. This leads to compression of the nerve roots, which causes pain, numbness and other neurological symptoms.

Treatment of a herniated disc is determined by many factors, including the degree of herniation, the presence of neurological disorders and the general health of the patient.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, treatment can be conservative or surgical. Conservative treatment usually includes drug therapy, physical therapy, massage, special exercises and lifestyle changes. Surgical treatment is considered in case of ineffectiveness of conservative methods or the presence of serious complications.

Symptoms of intervertebral hernia

In the initial stage of formation, a herniated disc is often asymptomatic. Over time, pain begins to appear in the area of the affected spine. At first, this pain is dull, temporary, increasing during physical exertion and disappearing when lying down. Along with the pain, muscle tension develops in the area around the spine.

As the size of the intervertebral hernia increases, symptoms such as pain and muscle tension become more intense, limiting mobility. The pain becomes constant and may not disappear even at rest or in a lying position. Tense muscles on the side of the hernia can cause curvature of the spine, which further increases the load and worsens the symptoms. As the hernia progresses, complications may develop that significantly worsen the quality of life. In some cases, the hernia may remain asymptomatic until these complications appear.

Symptoms of a herniated cervical spine include:

severe neck or chest pain that may resemble symptoms of a heart attack;
persistent headache accompanied by dizziness;
fluctuations in blood pressure;
numbness in the hands or fingers, decreased reflexes and muscle strength.

Symptoms of a lumbar herniated spinal cord include:

severe lower back pain that radiates to the buttocks and legs;
sudden pain (shooting pain) after a sharp movement, especially when turning the body;
numbness that may spread to the groin, front or back of the thigh, toes;
genitourinary system disorders, including problems with erection, urination or defecation.

Stages of formation of a herniated disc

A herniated disc develops gradually, passing through several stages, each of which has its own characteristics and symptoms.

Stages of formation of a herniated disc:

Prolapse: This is the initial stage, when there is a partial protrusion of the nucleus pulposus beyond the fibrous ring without its rupture. At this stage, minor pain and discomfort may occur, which are often perceived as ordinary muscle strain.
Protrusion: The nucleus pulposus partially protrudes through the fibrous ring, forming a hernia that begins to compress the surrounding nerve endings. This stage is accompanied by pain, numbness and other neurological symptoms that may be constant or periodic.
Extrusion: At this stage, the nucleus pulposus completely protrudes beyond the fibrous ring, which leads to significant compression of the nerve structures. Symptoms include intense pain, loss of sensitivity, as well as impaired motor and nerve function.
Sequestration: This is the most severe stage, where the herniation ruptures and parts of the nucleus pulposus enter the spinal canal. Sequestration can cause severe pain and serious complications, including the risk of paralysis, pelvic organ dysfunction, and requires immediate medical intervention.

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Causes of intervertebral hernias

The main cause of intervertebral hernias is osteochondrosis of the spine. This disease leads to the fact that the intervertebral disc gradually loses water, becomes less elastic, and its height decreases. As a result, the disc loses its ability to absorb loads, which increases the risk of injury during physical exertion. Over time, this can lead to the displacement of part of the disc beyond its anatomical space, which causes the formation of a hernia in the back.

Risk factors for the development of a spinal hernia:

lifting heavy objects without proper technique;
spinal injuries, including blows;
constant exposure to vibration (for example, in drivers);
sudden and uncoordinated movements;
prolonged sitting, especially in an incorrect posture (often found in drivers and people who work at a computer);
obesity, which creates additional stress on the spine;
incorrect load on the spine due to its curvature (kyphosis, lordosis);
Posture disorders and working in an uncomfortable position, which leads to chronic overstrain of the back muscles.

Intervertebral hernia during pregnancy

Intervertebral hernia in pregnant women can complicate the process of carrying a child. With an increase in the load on the back and changes in the body, the pain may increase. In particular, hormonal changes contribute to the formation of muscle blocks and increase the load on the intervertebral discs.

During pregnancy, to reduce the risk of exacerbation of the hernia, it is useful to engage in moderate physical activity, which includes:

regular gymnastic exercises that strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen;
following a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support the health of the spine;
avoiding prolonged stay in one position, which helps reduce tension in the back;
wearing a bandage to support the abdomen and reduce the load on the spine;
using an orthopedic mattress and shoes that provide proper foot support.

Pregnancy can not only worsen the condition of an existing hernia, but also contribute to its development. Chronic pain can reduce a woman’s physical activity, cause nervous tension and stress, which will negatively affect the unborn child.

If signs of a hernia of the spine appear, a pregnant woman should undergo treatment that will be adapted taking into account the gestational age. The doctor will determine the safest approach to childbirth, taking into account all the features of the clinical case, and will offer pain management methods that do not harm the health of the mother and child. It is also important to choose physiotherapy methods that can be safe during pregnancy, such as light massages, water procedures and yoga for pregnant women.

Diagnosis of intervertebral hernia

Diagnosis of intervertebral hernia begins with a history and assessment of symptoms. The doctor may suspect the presence of a hernia based on the patient's complaints, medical history, and physical examination results. The primary symptoms of a spinal hernia may be back pain, numbness, weakness in the limbs, or impaired sensitivity.

The main method for diagnosing intervertebral hernias is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This method allows you to display in detail the structure of the spine, its dimensions, the condition of the intervertebral discs, as well as detect degenerative changes and other pathologies. MRI is the most informative method for assessing the condition of the nerve roots and spinal cord, since it does not use ionizing radiation.

An alternative to MRI is multispiral computed tomography (MSCT), which also provides a clear image of the spine and can be used if MRI is impossible due to the presence of metal implants or other contraindications.

If the doctor suspects the presence of a protrusion in the spinal canal, an X-ray contrast study - myelography - may be prescribed. This method involves the introduction of a contrast agent into the cerebrospinal fluid, which allows you to assess the condition of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

No less important are laboratory blood tests that help detect systemic inflammatory processes, autoimmune diseases, infections or diabetes. General and biochemical blood tests can reveal signs of inflammation or metabolic disorders that can affect the development of a hernia.

The listed diagnostic methods provide comprehensive information about the disease, which allows you to establish a correct diagnosis and develop effective treatment tactics.

Methods of treatment of a herniated disc

A neurologist or vertebrologist is engaged in the treatment of an intervertebral hernia, the choice of the method of therapy is selected depending on the size, localization and characteristics of the hernia. In the early stages of the disease, conservative methods are often used. If conservative methods do not give results, the doctor may consider the question of how to treat a herniated disc surgically.

The main methods of conservative treatment of an intervertebral hernia include:

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation.
Chondroprotectors that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue.
Drug blockades in the lesion site to reduce pain.
Therapeutic exercise to strengthen the back muscles and improve flexibility.
Physiotherapy procedures such as magnetotherapy, muscle stimulation and phonophoresis.
Therapeutic stretching (traction) on an orthopedic table or in a pool to reduce pressure on the spine.

To improve the condition of intervertebral hernia, it is important to make lifestyle changes, which include:

normalizing body weight;
changes in routine work, learning how to lift heavy objects correctly;
avoiding sudden movements and jumping;
sleeping on a semi-rigid orthopedic mattress;
alternating physical activity with rest;
regular physical therapy at home.

Surgical treatment of a herniated disc is recommended when conservative therapy does not give results, or if the hernia protrudes and has a sequestration of more than 7 mm. The operation is also indicated in cases where there are impaired bowel function, bladder function, or problems with potency.

Surgery on intervertebral discs aims to decompress the spinal canal or remove the hernia. For decompression, a laminectomy is performed, and for removal of the herniated disc, an open or endoscopic discectomy or microdiscectomy is performed. If the disc is completely removed, the spine is stabilized with an implant or fixation. It is important to gradually increase the motor load after surgery, observing the correct technique, and be sure to undergo a course of physical therapy during the recovery period to ensure proper rehabilitation and prevent relapses.

Treatment of intervertebral hernia at the Helios clinic

The Helios clinic in Dnipro employs highly qualified doctors of various specializations, as well as modern equipment for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of intervertebral hernias.

The clinic's specialists have many years of experience in the treatment of spinal diseases and use modern techniques to achieve the best results.

The advantages of contacting the Helios medical center include:

Modern equipment and the latest technologies for diagnosis and treatment, which ensure high accuracy and efficiency.
Qualified specialists: experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons who are constantly improving their skills and knowledge.
Individual approach: personalized treatment plans that take into account the characteristics of each patient and the stage of the disease.
Minimally invasive methods: microdiscectomy and endoscopic discectomy, which ensure quick recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Comprehensive rehabilitation: therapeutic exercise and physiotherapy, which contribute to improving the functional state of patients.
Attention to patient comfort: support at all stages of treatment, including psychological support and consultations.

By choosing the Helios Medical Center, patients can be sure of high-quality service and effective treatment of their diseases.