Treatment for a hernia of the lumbar spine?

No massage will help, if ... A hernia is a mechanical injury in which the nucleus pulposus is destroyed and loses its properties. Read

Treatment of a hernia of the lumbar spine is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Much also depends on the severity of the disease. Sometimes charging and massage therapy may be enough, and in some cases, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

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After a detailed examination, the patient is assigned a complex therapy, which completely depends on the type of vertebral hernia and the degree of neglect of the disease. If the problem was identified at an early stage, patients are recommended conservative treatment, including:

1. Taking medication. First of all, these are anesthetic drugs designed to improve the patient's condition, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (in the absence of chronic gastrointestinal diseases), muscle relaxants for relieving muscle spasms and chondroprotectors that promote the restoration of cartilage tissue. Means for stimulating blood circulation in the problem area, multivitamin complexes and drugs that protect the gastric mucosa can also be prescribed. In those cases, when conventional painkillers are not enough to stop the attack, X-ray-controlled blockade can be used - injection of glucocorticoids, local anesthetics and vitamin B12 directly into the pain site. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and X-ray control, and is much more effective than intramuscular injections, it helps to restore blood circulation, relieve swelling and relieve pain.
2. Healing gymnastics. Performing special exercises daily is extremely important both for combating the disease in its early stages, as well as during rehabilitation after surgical removal of a hernia of the spine. The plan of classes is developed by the attending physician individually for each patient, and when doing exercises on your own at home, it is extremely important to strictly adhere to it and observe caution, avoiding excessive loads, sudden movements and movements. At the first signs of a hernia of the spine, yoga exercises bring a good effect, but exercises in this case are recommended to be performed not on the bed, but on a hard surface.
3. Physiotherapy. It includes a manual therapy that allows you to release trapped nerve endings by shifting and stretching the vertebrae, massage, reflexotherapy, UHF, electrophoresis and phonophoresis.

In addition, hirudotherapy (the use of leeches to stimulate blood flow and dissipation of the fallen out fragment under the influence of active substances contained in their saliva zone), cryotherapy (improvement of blood circulation problems) can give a positive result during the treatment liquid nitrogen) and acupuncture (irritation of the nerve endings by affecting the active points).

If the diagnosis of a hernia of the spine was made in the late stages of the disease, and traditional methods of treatment did not bring the desired effect, the patient may be recommended to perform an intervention ... The main indications for surgical removal of a hernia are severe pain, with which conventional drugs do not heal.disruptions in the form of neurological disorders, as well as urinary incontinence and impotence in men.

There are several options for surgical removal of a spinal hernia:

1. Discectomy. The nucleus pulposus that has left the annulus fibrosus is removed through a small incision. In especially difficult cases, the entire disc must be removed completely, and a titanium implant takes its place. But such a procedure is rarely carried out due to the high risk of infection and a difficult recovery period.
2. Endoscopic surgery. A minimally invasive method of removing a hernia of the spine, which involves the introduction of a camera and an instrument through a small puncture and practically does not damage the muscles.
3. Laser operation. It is used in patients under 40 years of age and only if the spinal disc has not been destroyed. It involves the introduction of a needle with a light guide through a puncture and "vaporization" of the damaged areas by means of a laser.

However, it should be understood that surgery to remove a hernia of the spine is an extreme measure, which doctors try not to resort to, as long as the patient's health is in relative safety.

Recovery period

After a long course of treatment for a hernia of the spine, even if the therapy has brought the desired result, the patient needs rehabilitation, which will help to consolidate the effect obtained and prevent complications or relapse of the disease. We are talking about the use of a special corset, physiotherapy procedures and control of body weight.

A hernia corset is designed to reduce and evenly distribute the load on the spine, transferring part of the pressure to the abdominal cavity. A quality product of this kind should have a solid base, but remain flexible, maintaining the correct posture of the patient throughout the day. The exact time during which it is recommended not to take off the corset is determined by the attending physician - if you wear it constantly, the risk of degradation of the back muscles increases.

A huge role during the rehabilitation period is played, first of all, by the stretching of the spine, allowing displaced vertebrae in place. For this, a load or special trainers are used, and the procedure itself can be carried out under normal conditions or in water. The second option is considered more benign and less painful for the patient. After stretching, the result is strengthened with the help of exercise therapy and wearing a corset.

It is equally important for patients with a hernia of the spine to eat properly, especially if they have extra pounds. For normalization of weight and its further maintenance in the necessary frame, patients are advised to reduce the caloric content of foods and increase the amount of fiber in the diet. It is also better to give up alcohol, hot spices, smoked and pickled foods, reduce the amount of salt you eat and not forget about your drinking regime.

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