Methods of treatment of intervertebral hernia
Treatment of an intervertebral hernia is a complex problem. Duration and methods of treatment are due to the form of a hernia, neglect of the disease, the complexity of a particular case. In the treatment of herniated intervertebral discs, two ways can be distinguished: conservative treatment and surgical.
Conservative treatment for
Today, medical advances in diagnostics and therapy help to avoid surgical interventions. In operations, there is often no need, moreover, they are far from insecure in diseases of the spine. Modern medicine offers great opportunities to conduct such patients conservative outpatient treatment.
In the treatment of intervertebral hernia, conservative methods include massage, exercise therapy, manual therapy, medication, mud therapy. This treatment of the intervertebral hernia is aimed at:
- improvement of blood circulation,
- muscle strengthening,
- reduction in puffiness,
- removal of high load from the spine.
This method of treatment, of course, should be comprehensive. This is due to the fact that only one type of procedures will not bring a lasting positive effect. Conservative treatment of intervertebral hernias should last a long time, almost constantly. Otherwise, the effect will be too short, only from 1 to 4 months.
If the intervertebral hernia is in an acute stage, spinal traction can be used to treat it. This method is quite old, but interest in it has been growing in recent years. When stretching, there is a pressure drop in the space between the vertebrae, this helps to suck up the vertebral hernia. At the same time, in order not to damage the spine even more, you need to choose the right direction of action and the necessary effort. Sometimes doctors advise the patient to do the stretching himself, focusing on the pain. If the traction is done correctly, the pain should decrease rather than increase.
The conservative method of treatment does not help to get rid of the intervertebral hernia, but helps to develop remission, that is, to reduce the manifestation of the symptoms of the disease and alleviate the sufferings of the patient. If the patient does not violate the doctor's recommendations, the remission period may last several years. If the fibrous ring is damaged, manual massage should not be used, therefore this method of treatment should be used deliberately.
It happens that as a result of conservative treatment, which was carried out for 2-3 months in full, acute pains passed, but stupid aching pains remained that did not allow them to live, work and play sports. If the patient does not like this situation, he should consult a neurosurgeon to discuss other methods of treatment, possibly surgical ones.
Surgical way of treatment
Surgical way of treatment of a hernia of the spine consists in conducting an operation intervention, as a result of which the hernia, pinching the nerve, is removed. This treatment of the intervertebral hernia helps quickly get rid of the pain. But the operation is not the best treatment option, since the surgeon's mistake can become fatal for the health and life of the patient. This is due to the fact that the spine is not only the most important organ of the musculoskeletal system, it also contains the spinal cord. Its damage can lead to irreparable consequences. Therefore, resort to surgery should be only if other methods of treatment were ineffective. Do not do without the help of a surgeon in the treatment of intervertebral hernias with sequestered hernias, foramenal infringement of nerves.
Operative treatment should be performed only on strict indications in neurosurgical centers and hospitals. Indications for the surgical method of treatment are:
- for a long time not removed by anti-inflammatory and analgesic pain syndrome;
- polyradicularity of the lesion;
- urinary incontinence, urinary retention and other pelvic disorders;
- movement disorders, such as a violation of perineum sensitivity, sensitivity disorders such as "rider's pants".
