Treatment of a herniated spine: conservative and surgical methods

Treatment of the hernia of the spine is strictly individual. The fact that the methods of therapy will be chosen, taking into account the characteristics of the patient, his general health, professional activity, age, and so on.

As practice shows, treatment of a spinal hernia does not always require surgical intervention. Numbness, pain, weakness and other symptoms that are associated with this disorder will most often occur six months after the disease worsens with proper therapy. But it is difficult to predict who will be able to recover without surgery, and who does not. Therefore, first a conservative treatment of the hernia of the spine is prescribed by the doctor. Let's consider its basic directions.

Non-surgical treatment of a spinal hernia involves the use of a combination of the following methods and means.

First, anesthetics are prescribed. These are usually anti-inflammatory non-steroid drugs that can reduce pain and relieve inflammation.

Secondly, the patient should use muscle relaxants, which can eliminate spasms.

Thirdly, with very severe pain, narcotic drugs are needed.

Fourth, the patient is prescribed treatment in the form of alternating cold and hot compresses. And the earlier the patient starts to do them, the faster the inflammatory process will be removed.

Fifth, physiotherapy has excellent restorative properties. Therefore, the patient is recommended to do massages, exercise therapy for stretching and strengthening of the dorsal muscles. Such measures can increase the flexibility of the vertebral trunk.

Sixth, with very severe pain, the patient is assigned an epidural injection, which includes anti-inflammatory drugs.

In the event that such treatment of the hernia of the spine has not yielded results, and the patient continues to suffer severe pain and neurologic symptoms, the doctor will recommend surgical intervention. The operation can be carried out in different ways. In recent years, the treatment of hernia of the spine with a laser has been actively used.

During the operation, the surgeon will remove the intervertebral damaged disc, either completely or partially. This procedure is called discectomy. Usually, this operation frightens the patient. But in practice the procedure is quite simple and safe. The surgeon makes small incisions and with the help of special technologies and small video cameras carries out all manipulations.

Often there are situations when it is necessary to insert a transplant into the space formed after the removal of the damaged disc (or part thereof). It is a small piece of bone tissue that is taken from the patient's thigh. A graft is recommended to use to connect vertebrae.

But there are situations when it is necessary to apply special screws and rods.

After the operation, the patient will need a recovery period.

If the surgical procedure was successful and without complications, the patient will be able to get up on the same day. Write out in such cases after a day.

If the operation was more complicated, the patient will remain in the hospital for several days.

In any case, the patient is prescribed pain medication, which is recommended to be taken within a few days after the procedure. In addition, he must comply with bed rest, gradually increasing his level of activity, but you must always follow the instructions received from the doctor.

The patient will be able to return to his lifestyle quickly enough, but this will depend on his condition and the severity of the disease.

The recovery period is an important stage in this therapy. From the correct and thorough adherence to recommendations, the success of the entire treatment will depend.