Our spine is of great importance for our body and has three main functions. The spine ensures the upright posture of the body, allows us to move left and right, back and forth, and protects the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
The main diseases experienced in the spine are Disc Herniation and Lumbar Stenosis. Lobar Stenosis, which is often confused with a herniated disc among the public, is seen as a result of calcification, especially with advancing age.
Herniated disc, which manifests itself with waist and leg pain and numbness in the legs, occurs due to deterioration in the discs between the vertebrae and pressure on the nerves.
- HOW DOES A HERNIATED DISC OCCUR?
In most people, a herniated disc occurs due to the natural aging of the spine. The amount of water in the discs is quite high in children and teenagers. As we age, discs begin to dry out and weaken. The discs shrink and the space between the vertebrae narrows. This normal aging process is called 'disc degeneration'.
Humans are the only vertebrate creatures that constantly stand upright. Due to the effect of gravity and the weight of the body, the lower lumbar vertebrae and coccyx remain under pressure. Although hernia can be seen at young ages, it occurs more often in later ages. While hereditary hernias may occur in the vertebrae, a sedentary lifestyle, abuse of the spine, heavy work, sitting for long periods of time and doing heavy sports lead to deterioration and degeneration of the discs. Another factor in the formation of hernia is smoking. Smoking causes blockage in the channels that provide nutrition to the disc. It reduces the fluid content of the disc and may lead to herniation.
HOW IS A HERNIATED DISC TREATMENT?
Disc herniation is detected by MRI imaging. Treatment consists of 3 steps, including pain control, medication, physical therapy and surgery. If the pain cannot be controlled, if there are complaints lasting longer than 3 weeks, if there is limited movement in the legs and feet, surgery can be performed directly depending on the condition of the hernia.
With an incision made on the spinal cord, a method called Microscopic Discectomy is used to see the spinal cord membrane and nerves and remove the herniated part. If the patient has more than one hernia, the most urgent one is treated.
In order to prevent the hernia from recurring, it is necessary to make changes in lifestyle and avoid heavy work.
The biggest gains we achieve with surgery are the relief of pain, eliminating the risk of paralysis, and trying to correct sensory defects. If paralysis occurs in the legs and feet due to a herniated disc, it is mandatory to have surgery within 24 hours at the latest.
URBAN LEGENDS ABOUT HERNIATED DISC.
Today, there are alternative options about herniated discs. There are many people who claim to provide treatment. And they are still respected. If you suspect a herniated disc, do not rely on practices such as lying on a hard surface, lumbar stretching and moxibustion.
The important thing to understand here is that not every herniated disc is at the same level. Some back pain can be confused with a herniated disc. Therefore, people who claim to provide treatment make people believe that they are treating herniated disc only by relieving the pain caused by the strain of the lumbar muscles.
- WHAT IS LUMBAR Narrow CANAL DISEASE?
The main cause is calcification and osteoarthritis due to aging. It is the narrowing of the spinal canal between the vertebrae over time. Although it is confused with Lumbar Herniation among the public, it is a different disease.
Lumbar Stenosis disease progresses insidiously; It may not always cause complaints. However, pain or loss of sensation in the back; Complaints such as pain in the legs, numbness, weakness, loss of sexual power and urinary incontinence may also be experienced.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT?
Another important symptom of the patients is is the shortening of walking distance. Patients also begin to have difficulty climbing stairs. If left untreated, it reduces the quality of life and may lead one to a wheelchair within years.
With MRI imaging, the narrow area of the canal is detected. The spinal canal is expanded. The pressure on the nerves is reduced. After the surgery, our patients' movement restrictions and pain are eliminated, and their walking distance can be increased by 2-3 times. If there is no cause for other diseases, improvement in urinary problems and sexual functions is expected.
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