Herniated disc is one of the most common causes of low back pain seen in clinics. Symptoms may include pain radiating to the leg, muscle spasm or cramps, loss of sensation in the leg, and muscle weakness. Sneezing, coughing and bending usually increase the pain. Depending on the level of nerve pressure, symptoms such as pain, burning, tingling and numbness may be felt in various areas from the hip to the sole of the foot. Usually only one side is affected. The discs located between the lumbar vertebrae are shock-absorbing cushions made of durable fibers. Each disc consists of a nucleus, known as a water-filled sac in the center, and a protective hard cartilage surrounding it, namely the annulus. After the nerve roots exit the spinal cord, they go out through their own narrow passages between the spine and discs. Pain and other symptoms develop when the damaged (herniated) disc puts pressure on the spinal cord or these nerve roots.
A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like substance we call the nucleus comes out as a result of the tearing or cracking of the annulus.
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Many factors increase the risk of getting a herniated disc. These are the main ones:
⦁ Having wrong lifestyles that weaken the discs such as smoking, not exercising regularly, improper nutrition (obesity) and staying up at night
⦁ Natural biochemical changes that occur as a result of aging. The disc gradually loses its fluid content and therefore its strength and flexibility decrease.
⦁ Behaviors that disrupt the mechanics of the waist, such as incorrect posture, incorrect and excessive load carrying, can be counted as one or the other of these factors. A herniated disc develops as a result of wear and tear caused by the presence of several of them together. Herniation may occur suddenly, or it may occur gradually over weeks or months.
How to Treat a Herniated Disc Without Surgery?
In most cases, treatment of a herniated disc is possible without the need for surgery. Medication and bed rest are the first things to do. The pressure on the nerves can be relieved by bed rest. Applying cold to the area within the first 24-48 hours when complaints occur; It may be beneficial by reducing edema, muscle spasm and pain. However, ice never penetrates the skin. It should not be contacted directly, for example, it should be wrapped in a towel and applied for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Various painkillers and muscle relaxants can be used for drug treatment. However, they should never be taken without consulting a physician. It should not be forgotten that uncontrolled relief of acute pain without diagnosis may cause undesirable consequences by preventing the patient from protecting himself. Another treatment to be applied is physical therapy methods. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, eliminate muscle spasm, and increase flexibility. Cold and hot application treatments, massage techniques, and stretching exercises are examples of physical therapy methods.
All of the herniated disc treatments listed above can be performed by hospitalization within a few hours and the patient is discharged home on the same day.
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