Lower back pain can cause a hernia of the spinal disc. This is a condition in which the membrane of the intervertebral disc is destroyed , and its contents enter the spinal canal. This disc herniation is not so simple . Treatment must be required, because otherwise swelling, compression of the nerve endings, delamination of the ligaments between the vertebrae, impaired mobility of the vertebrae, and various inflammatory phenomena are possible. Possible complications include paralysis of the lower body.
Causes of the disease
A hernia can appear both in adults and in children. People over 40 years old usually develop protrusion of the disc, which is equivalent to a hernia.
The disease manifests itself with significant loads, falling from a height on the buttocks or legs, improper lifting of weights. If the fibrous ring was previously damaged and its fibers were weakened, even minor loads are dangerous.
The released pulpous nucleus acts on the nerve endings and causes not only their mechanical, but also chemical irritation. As a result, pain, numbness of the body part, goosebumps, muscle weakness, absence or decrease in reflexes occur.
Diagnosis of herniated disc
Correct diagnosis is quickly determined by a herniated disc. Treatment will depend on its severity. First, the doctor asks the patient questions about injuries, the form of pain, weakness, and others. Based on the answers, a diagnostic method is selected.
- Roentgenography. Provides information on the severity of degenerative processes in the spine, eliminates diseases with similar symptoms. An indirect sign of a hernia is a decrease in disc height.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. An informative, painless method that does not cause side effects.
- CT scan. To present a complete picture, the doctor gives a direction to contrast myelography, which is combined with computed tomography. These methods are designed to distinguish hernia from stenosis of the spinal canal and other diseases of the spine.
- Electromyography. Identifies damaged nerves.
Intervertebral disc hernia : treatment
Often, a hernia only requires monitoring the symptoms and resting. If pain, weakness and numbness do not decrease, you need to reduce activity, take days off, try to stay alone for several days. Then you need to gradually increase the load.
The following drugs are used to relieve pain: diclofenac sodium, tizanidine, celecoxib, tetrazepam, ibuprofen, as well as chondoprotectors, vitamins.
Severe pain is relieved by blockades - hormonal anti-inflammatory injections in combination with a local analgesic. They quickly relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Many understand the severity of the diagnosis of “herniated disc." The treatment is applied both traditional and innovative. Osteopathy, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, hirudotherapy, homeopathy, careful manual therapy are good . However, if the pain has passed, this does not mean that the disc herniation has passed. Further treatment is based on the implementation of special therapeutic exercises, alternating load and rest.
In severe cases, surgery is performed. Surgically remove the hernia, the destroyed disk, release the spinal cord and spinal nerves from pressure, create conditions for the fusion of two adjacent vertebrae.
Any pain indicates a malfunction in the body. Do not wait for everything to pass by itself - contact a specialist on time. After all, this is your health!