Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are very common today. There are many reasons for this, among which the main one is a sedentary lifestyle. Osteochondrosis has long settled in the top ten ailments in terms of frequency of diagnosis. One of its most severe manifestations is a herniated disc.
Symptom of disease
In fact, the symptoms of this disease are quite extensive. The patient usually comes to the doctor with acute pain syndrome. Much less often, a hernia is found during various routine examinations, when there are no painful sensations. Pain can appear when the back is in an uncomfortable position for a long time, physical exertion, sharp bends and turns.
Dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs in the lumbar region are more typical for people aged 18 to 50 years. About 50% of all neurosurgical interventions are performed due to the fact that patients had a neglected intervertebral hernia. A symptom of the disease that characterizes a similar phase of the course of the disease is a partial loss of sensation in the legs or perineum.
Stages of disease development
Specialists identify 2 stages of such a disease as a herniated disc. The symptom of the first of them is the appearance of uncomfortable sensations in the lumbar region (mild pain may be present). Gradually, degenerative changes progress and the structure of the annulus deteriorates.
The disease smoothly flows into the second stage, which is characterized by acute pain and a significant decrease in motor activity. At this stage, in 50% of cases, patients experience the following side effects: various autonomic disorders, dry skin, hypothermia, increased sweating. People suffering from this disease can often be distinguished by "compensatory" postures. They are forced to take this position of the body in order to reduce the discomfort that the intervertebral hernia gives them.
Methods of treating the disease
The human body has impressive regenerative properties. The ability to self-heal allows us to successfully deal with most wounds. Although damage to the intervertebral discs in this case is no exception, it will take a lot of time to get rid of such an ailment, since it is quite difficult to completely cure a herniated disc. But the main thing is to start treatment in time.
Bed rest and maximum rest is the first thing neededrecommend to a patient who begins to develop an intervertebral hernia. A symptom of improvement with a mild degree of the disease can be felt after 2-3 weeks.
If the first recommendation was violated, and a person suffering from a hernia led an active lifestyle during an exacerbation of the disease, then the situation can become much more complicated. In 19% of such cases, it is necessary to resort to surgical intervention.
So, the simplest recommendations for successful treatment of herniated discs are as follows:
- Compliance with bed rest for at least 4 weeks.
- The use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Remedial gymnastics after the disappearance of symptoms to strengthen muscles and prevent disease.
The above methods can in no way replace a visit to a specialist who will prescribe all the necessary medications, and in case of serious complications, recommend surgery.
