How is the treatment of the intervertebral hernia?

Herniated discs are a fairly common problem. Many people face this pathology, 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 how does the treatment for the intervertebral hernia look like ? What methods are used in modern medicine?

What is the intervertebral hernia?

Hernia is a kind of final process of degeneration of cartilaginous tissue, from which intervertebral discs are formed. In some cases, this pathology can be the result of severe trauma. But in most situations, such problems develop against the backdrop of constant negative effects, problems with blood circulation and trophic tissue and other factors. And before you know what the treatment of the intervertebral hernia looks like, it is worth finding out what the danger of this disorder is.

Immediately it is worth noting that the first stages of degeneration can be asymptomatic - sometimes patients complain only of the severity and discomfort in the affected vertebra. But the hernia itself, which is accompanied by rupture of the fibrous ring, causes a sharp deterioration in health, severe pain and impaired mobility.

In addition, as a result of damage to the cartilaginous 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 lesions of the lumbar spine, patients often complain of pain or loss of sensitivity in the lower limbs. That is why the treatment of the intervertebral hernia is simply necessary. After the examinations, the doctor will be able to draw up the optimal therapy regimen.

Non-surgical treatment of intervertebral hernia

In the early stages, it is possible to use conservative methods that are aimed at removing the underlying symptoms, as well as restoring normal blood circulation and trophic tissue.

To begin with, patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, products containing ibuprofen). Such medications help reduce pain and stop inflammation. Most often, the damage to the intervertebral disc is accompanied by muscle spasm, so therapy often involves the use of muscle relaxants (for example, the drug "Midokalm"). In some cases, it is advisable to use decongestant and vasodilating drugs.

Treatment of intervertebral hernia includes regular curative gymnastics. Correctly chosen exercises will help improve blood circulation, form a strong muscle corset, eliminate the load on a particular part 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 from time to time must wear a special corset, which relieves pressure on the affected parts of the spine.

Surgical treatment of the intervertebral hernia

Immediately it is worth noting that self-medication can not be done in any case. Only the doctor knows what the intervertebral hernia is, the symptoms and treatment for this disease. More often conservative therapy and a healthy way of life allow to stop process of degeneration of cartilaginous tissues. But in about 10% of cases the patient needs surgical intervention. The essence of the operation is a partial or complete removal of the intervertebral disc. By the way, surgical intervention is carried out only if the risk of severe damage to nerve roots is high.