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 been established in the top ten ailments according to the frequency of diagnosis. One of its most severe manifestations is an intervertebral hernia.
Disease symptom
In fact, the symptoms of this ailment are quite extensive. The patient often consults a doctor with acute pain syndrome. Much less often, a hernia is found during various planned examinations, when pain is absent. Pain can occur with prolonged exposure of the back to an uncomfortable position, physical exertion, sharp bends and turns.
Dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs in the lumbar region are more characteristic for people aged 18 to 50 years. About 50% of all neurosurgical interventions are performed due to the fact that patients had advanced intervertebral hernia. A symptom of a 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 the development of the disease
Specialists distinguish 2 stages of such a disease as an intervertebral hernia. 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 fibrous ring 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, the following side effects appear in patients: various autonomic disorders, dry skin, its hypothermia, increased sweating. People suffering from this disease can often be distinguished by “compensatory” poses. They are forced to occupy this position of the body in order to reduce the discomfort that the intervertebral hernia gives them.
Methods for 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 is no exception in this case, it will take a lot of time to get rid of such an ailment, since it is completely difficult to cure the intervertebral hernia. But the main thing is to do treatment on time.
Bed rest and maximum rest is the first thing to recommend to a patient who begins to develop an intervertebral hernia. The 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, during the period of exacerbation of the disease led an active lifestyle, then the situation can be significantly complicated. In 19% of such cases, you have to resort to surgical intervention.
So, the simplest recommendations for successful treatment of herniated discs are as follows:
- Compliance with bed rest for a minimum of 4 weeks.
- The use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Health exercises after the disappearance of symptoms to strengthen muscles and prevent disease.
The above methods in no way can replace a visit to a specialist who will prescribe all the necessary medications, and in case of serious complications, he will recommend surgical intervention.