Treatment of Intervertebral Hernia

An intervertebral hernia is a condition that affects many patients and often leads to significant discomfort and challenges in daily life, worsening its quality. At Dobrobut Clinic, our team of experienced doctors employs a comprehensive approach and uses the most effective modern treatment methods tailored specifically for each patient.

Causes of Intervertebral Hernia

An intervertebral hernia occurs when the soft inner content of the disc protrudes through a crack in the tougher outer shell. This formation can compress nearby nerves, causing pain and other neurological symptoms. Most commonly, disc herniations occur in the lumbar or cervical regions. Factors that can increase the risk of developing a hernia include:

Degenerative pathological changes in intervertebral discs. Over time, discs lose elasticity, their moisture content decreases, and they become more brittle.
Injury and other damages. Lifting heavy weights, sudden movements in the spine, compression fractures, accidents, and car accidents can lead to hernia development.
Genetic predisposition.
Obesity or overweight. This adds additional pressure on the spine, increasing the likelihood of hernia formation.
Poor posture. Prolonged improper positioning can compress discs, leading to their premature degradation.

Symptoms of Intervertebral Hernia

The symptoms of a disc hernia can vary depending on the location of the protrusion and whether it compresses nearby nerves. Common signs include:

Pain in the back and/or neck, which can radiate to other areas, upper or lower limbs.
Numbness in the hands or feet, tingling in the fingertips.
Muscle weakness in the arms or legs, occurring with significant nerve compression.
Limited mobility in the area of the spine where the hernia has appeared, affecting daily activities.

Diagnosis of Intervertebral Hernia

Diagnosis usually involves several steps, such as a physical exam where the doctor checks mobility, reflexes, pain response, and gathers detailed complaints and medical history. Additional studies like CT or MRI of the spine may be conducted to visualize disc changes and determine the degree of protrusion.

Treatment of Intervertebral Hernia

Treatment regime depends on the severity and the patient's health individual features. At Dobrobut Clinic, the following methods are applied:

Conservative

The main goal is to alleviate symptoms and restore function without surgery.

Physiotherapy: A personalized plan is created to strengthen back muscles, improve flexibility, and develop correct posture. Physical methods such as heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used. Regular sessions and additional home exercises are necessary for effectiveness.
Medication Therapy: Involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain, muscle relaxants for muscle spasm relief, and corticosteroids.
Corticosteroid Injections (blocks): Used for inflammatory processes affecting nerve roots, significantly reduce pain, and improve mobility; effects can last several months.

If conservative treatments do not provide sufficient relief, minimally invasive procedures may be considered, such as:

Microdiscectomy: A surgical procedure where a small part of the disc and hernia is removed to relieve spinal nerve pressure.
Endoscopic Discectomy: The herniated disc part is removed through a small incision.

Surgical Methods:

Surgical treatment may be indicated for patients with severe symptoms and ineffective conservative therapy, involving a traditional discectomy where the damaged disc is removed. This helps alleviate chronic pain and nerve compression.

Recovery

Recovery time can vary significantly based on the treatment method and overall condition. Patients typically begin to feel improvement within weeks, but full recovery may take several months. Physiotherapy is then prescribed to strengthen back muscles and core, improve posture, and accelerate healing, often including therapeutic exercises and stretching.

Prevention

Preventing intervertebral hernias can be aided by regular physical activity and a careful approach to health, including:

Using ergonomically correct furniture, to better endure long periods of sedentary work.
Strengthening back and core muscles, involving activities such as swimming, walking, and yoga.
Balanced nutrition and maintaining a stable healthy weight for spinal health conservation.

Treatment should be comprehensive and tailored to individual patient needs. At Dobrobut Clinic, both conservative and modern surgical methods are available, with a focus on patient safety and recovery. To book a consultation, you can use the online form or contact center phone numbers.