Paramedian hernia occurs due to the displacement of the intervertebral discs inside the spinal canal. For this reason, unilateral or bilateral compression of the spinal cord occurs. Often a disease develops due to a person's disability, as nerve endings and the spinal cord are compressed. The paramedian type of hernia is the most common.
Causes of disease
There are several factors under the influence of which a hernia of the spine may appear. These include:
- Birth trauma.
- Excessive exercise.
- Inactive lifestyle.
- Serious diseases of the pelvic organs.
- Pathologies of the spine.
- Obesity.
- Hormonal failure caused by age-related changes.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Unhe althy lifestyle.
Hip dysplasia is not diagnosed until several years after the onset of the disease. If we approach the process of treating dysplasia in a complex way, then the risk ofcomplications in this case is minimal. If this disease is not properly treated, then the human pelvis may warp. For this reason, an intervertebral paramedian hernia appears.
Disease diagnosis
When one of the signs of the disease appears, it is important to carry out an X-ray examination. It will give an opportunity to assess the damaged area of the spine. With the help of MRI, which helps to clearly identify the area of dead tissue, the specialist assesses the degree of disc displacement. A prerequisite is the conduct of myelography. This type of study will allow you to make an accurate diagnosis for the patient. Myelography is rarely used because side effects can occur.
Hernia symptoms
In the early stages of the development of pathology, pronounced symptoms are observed that prevent a person from leading a full-fledged lifestyle. The main features include:
- sharp pain in the spine;
- severe weakness and fatigue;
- numbness of limbs.
If a paramedian hernia develops in the cervical region, then often the patient is worried about pain in the neck, which radiates to the shoulder blades. Pain is aggravated by head movements.
Expert Opinion
Paramedian hernia in the thoracic region is the least common. If you experience pain in the chest, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo a complete medicalexamination, as this may be a sign of pneumonia or a heart attack. The lumbar spine is most commonly affected. This disease is dangerous because it can progress and pass into more complex forms. Over time, the size of the hernia increases significantly, which increases pain and discomfort.
Disease types
Classify the disease depending on the affected area. Paramedial hernia is left-sided, right-sided and median.
Left hand form
Left-sided paramedian disc herniation is characterized by a rupture of the fibrous ring, as a result of which the gel-like masses that fill the disc lumen begin to bulge to the left of the spine. A hernia causes compression of the process of the spinal cord and nerve root. With this pathology, it can occur:
- pinched nerve;
- paralysis;
- fecal and urinary incontinence.
When the disease is advanced, treatment is carried out in a hospital.
Right-sided form of development of pathology
Right-sided paramedial hernia differs from left-sided only in that the displacement occurs to the right. During palpation by a doctor, upon examination, the patient feels severe pain in the side where the protrusion occurred. Diagnosing the presence of the disease at home is almost impossible. Only a qualified specialist is able to make a diagnosis. Based on the results of instrumental and laboratory studies, the specialist prescribes treatment. If you experience back pain, do noteven engage in physiotherapy exercises, as this can only damage the muscles and aggravate the general he alth of the patient.
Localization of hernias
They are also classified depending on the location of the hernial protrusion relative to the brain canal. The main features of the posterior right-sided or left-sided hernia are characterized by protrusion of the nucleus pulposus, which are directed towards the spinal canal. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms may not appear, but as the disease progresses, the patient experiences pain due to transverse compression. Another such pathology is called a paramedian dorsal hernia.
The lateral shape is always directed towards the intervertebral space. The severity of symptoms depends on the severity of the disease. A sequestered hernia is diagnosed when the disc has already fallen into the space of the spinal canal. The severity of symptoms depends on the pathology. As medical practice shows, most often the L5-S1 disc can be negatively affected, despite the fact that its vertebra is strong. Due to the heavy load on it, a complication often develops. The L4-L5 disc is mainly protruding due to an inactive and unhe althy lifestyle. Sedentary work and prolonged stay in one position negatively affect the spine. In some cases, a posterior paramedian L4-L5 disc herniation is treated with a medical method, since such a conservative method will be enough for the patient to recover.
Doctor's Opinion
In the process of treatment, it is importantreduce the impact of negative factors on the general he alth of the patient. It is important to lead a he althy lifestyle and avoid excessive physical activity. Based on statistics, we can conclude that most often back problems occur in office workers. For this reason, you should move more and do gymnastic exercises regularly. Experts recommend visiting a doctor and undergoing medical examinations. This is the best prevention of any disease. It should be borne in mind that the smaller the size of the l5 s1 paramedian hernia, the easier the treatment is. In the subsequent stages of the development of pathology, the problem is eliminated only by surgery or laser. The recovery period in case of surgery is about a month.
Medicated treatment
With the help of drugs, doctors relieve the inflammatory process and reduce pain. If the patient is worried about severe pain or discomfort, then the doctor additionally prescribes antispasmodics. Thanks to muscle relaxants, muscle tone decreases. This allows you to reduce the motor activity of the patient. With the help of corticosteroids, pain and swelling of the tissue are eliminated. Chondroprotector slows down the process of bone tissue destruction, normalizes water-s alt processes in the nuclei. The homeopathic remedy eliminates puffiness, improves the nutrition of pinched nerves. You should know that only the doctor determines the duration of the course and dosage. Based on the obtained laboratory and instrumental research methods, the specialist selectseffective drugs. The doctor analyzes the overall clinical picture and prescribes a comprehensive treatment. If you feel unwell after taking the drug, you should immediately inform your doctor. In this case, the patient will choose the right medicine. It is forbidden to change one pill for another on your own. There may be complications in the form of loss of consciousness and death. The patient may go into a coma. Unfortunately, many patients do not know about it. Some drugs need to be taken for a certain number of days and it is important to introduce them gradually.
Conservative treatment
With conservative treatment, physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out, including massage and hirudotherapy. To achieve a positive effect and improve the general he alth of the patient, the classical technique of its implementation is not enough. The pressure should not be strong, as this often causes acute pain. Instead of putting pressure on the affected area, lightly pat the skin. It is important to know that such a procedure is prohibited when the disease is advanced.
Hydromassage and vacuum massage have a positive effect on the general he alth of the patient. Treatment with leeches helps to restore damaged tissue and nerve fibers. Acupuncture eliminates pain and swelling, while it does not cause an allergic reaction and normalizes metabolism. Good he alth of the patient will help him recover faster. Physiotherapy for hernia is carried out using:
- electrotherapy;
- diadynamic therapy;
- interference;
- electrical neurostimulation;
- laser therapy;
- magnetic therapy;
- balneotherapy.
Surgery
If the doctor diagnosed a paramedian-foraminal hernia, which is directed to the foraminal zone, where the nerve root of the spinal cord is located, then the treatment is carried out with the help of surgery. The surgeon cuts through the soft tissue and removes part of the disc. Using a bone graft, the spinal column is restored. Complications after surgery occur if the patient did not strictly follow the doctor's recommendations in the postoperative period. After surgery, any physical activity is prohibited for a month. During the rehabilitation period, it is important to sleep on a soft sofa, eat right and avoid stress. Physiotherapy should be carried out 15 days after the operation. Even after a complete recovery of the body, doctors recommend regular examinations by a specialist. This is especially true for those patients in the family who had similar pathologies.
Conclusions
If one of the signs of the disease appears, you should consult a doctor. At an early stage of the development of the disease, treatment is much easier. With a neglected form of a hernia, the problem is solved surgically. Alternative methods of treatment can only harm the patient. Self-medication is life-threatening, since various herbs and infusions have the same strongaction, as well as antibiotics. Any medications should be taken strictly as directed by the doctor. The dose and duration of the course is determined solely by the attending physician.
