Herniated discs are a fairly common problem. Many people face this pathology, regardless of gender and age. In any case, such a condition is extremely unpleasant and, in the absence of medical care, leads to dangerous complications. So what does a herniated disc treatment look like? What methods are used in modern medicine?
What is a herniated disc?
Hernia is a kind of final process of cartilage tissue degeneration from which intervertebral discs are formed. In some cases, such a pathology can be the result of a severe injury. But in most situations, such problems develop against the background of constant negative impact, problems with blood circulation and tissue trophism, and other factors. And before you find out what the treatment of an intervertebral hernia looks like, you should find out what the danger of this violation is.
Immediately it should be noted that the first stages of degeneration can be asymptomatic -sometimes patients complain only of heaviness and discomfort in the area of the affected vertebra. But the hernia itself, which is accompanied by a rupture of the fibrous ring, causes a sharp deterioration in well-being, severe pain and impaired mobility.
In addition, as a result of damage to the cartilaginous discs, blood vessels or nerve roots are often pinched. Violation of the integrity of motor nerve fibers affects the work of muscles and some other organ systems. For example, with damage to the lumbar spine, patients often complain of pain or loss of sensation in the lower extremities. That is why the treatment of an intervertebral hernia is simply necessary. After examinations, the doctor will be able to draw up an optimal therapy regimen.
Non-surgical treatment of herniated disc
In the early stages, it is possible to use conservative methods that are aimed at relieving the main symptoms, as well as restoring normal blood circulation and tissue trophism.
First, patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, products containing ibuprofen). These medications help reduce pain and stop inflammation. Most often, damage to the intervertebral discs is accompanied by muscle spasm, so therapy often includes the use of muscle relaxants (for example, the drug Mydocalm). In some cases, it is advisable to use decongestants and vasodilators.
Herniated disc treatment includesincludes regular therapeutic exercises. Properly selected exercises will help improve blood circulation, form a strong muscle corset, eliminate the load on a particular section of the spine and prevent further degeneration. Massage and acupuncture are also used to relieve muscle spasms and improve motor activity. In some cases, the patient needs to wear a special corset from time to time, which relieves pressure on the affected parts of the spine.
Surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia
Immediately it should be noted that self-medication is impossible in any case. Only a doctor knows what an intervertebral hernia is, the symptoms and treatment of this disease. Most often, conservative therapy and a he althy lifestyle can stop the process of cartilage tissue degeneration. But in about 10% of cases, the patient requires surgery. The essence of the operation is the partial or complete removal of the intervertebral disc. By the way, surgery is carried out only if there is a high risk of severe damage to the nerve roots.
