Disc herniation is a fairly common problem. A similar pathology is faced by many people, regardless of gender and age. In any case, this condition is extremely unpleasant and in the absence of medical care leads to dangerous complications. So what does the treatment of intervertebral hernia look like ? What methods are used in modern medicine?
What is an intervertebral hernia?
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 severe injury. But in most situations, such problems develop against the background of constant negative effects, problems with blood circulation and tissue trophism and other factors. And before you know what the treatment of intervertebral hernia looks like, it is worth finding out what is the danger of this violation.
It is immediately worth noting that the first stages of degeneration can be asymptomatic - sometimes patients complain only of severity 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 cartilage discs, blood vessels or nerve roots are often squeezed. Violation of the integrity of motor nerve fibers affects the work of muscles and some other organ systems. For example, with a lesion of the lumbar spine, patients often complain of pain or loss of sensation in the lower extremities. That is why the treatment of intervertebral hernia is simply necessary. After examinations, the doctor will be able to draw up the optimal treatment regimen.
Non-surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia
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.
For starters, patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, drugs containing ibuprofen). Such medications help reduce pain and stop inflammation. Most often, damage to the intervertebral discs is accompanied by muscle spasm, therefore, therapy often involves taking muscle relaxants (for example, the drug "Midokalm"). In some cases, it is advisable to use decongestant and vasodilator drugs.
Treatment of intervertebral hernia involves 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 cramps and improve motor activity. In some cases, the patient occasionally needs to wear a special corset, which relieves pressure on the affected parts of the spine.
Surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia
Immediately it is worth noting that you can not self-medicate in any case. Only the doctor knows what the intervertebral hernia is, the symptoms and treatment of this disease. Most often, conservative therapy and a healthy lifestyle can stop the process of cartilage 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 the risk of severe damage to the nerve roots is high.