Lumbar spinal hernia [treatment and symptoms]

How does a lumbar intervertebral hernia occur?

The intervertebral disc looks like a small cylinder formed from connective tissue. On the outer side it is protected by a fibrous ring, in its inner part there is a substance that has increased elasticity and can impart springiness to the spine.

If the intervertebral disc is subjected to regular negative impact or injury, the fibrous ring may lose its strength and cracks may appear in its area. As a result, the pulp located in its inner part can protrude beyond the boundaries of the fiber. Most often, this process is called “lumbar hernia” and develops in the corresponding part of the spine.

The occurrence of any discomfort in this area is due to pinching of the nerve endings by excess pulp.

Products for internal use

The following decoctions, tinctures and infusions have proven their effectiveness in the fight against hernia:

Tincture of cinquefoil. The root of the plant (300 grams), crushed in advance, is poured with vodka (half a liter) and placed in a dark, dry place for 3 weeks. The finished tincture, after shaking, is drunk 3 times a day, 20 milliliters. This remedy is considered the most effective. The tincture relieves pain, stops inflammatory processes, restores cartilage and bone tissue.
A decoction of lingonberries and cinquefoil. Crushed cinquefoil roots (40 grams) are brewed with boiling water (half a liter) and placed in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. The cinquefoil decoction is filtered and combined with lingonberry decoction. Use the remedy three times a day, 100 grams before meals.
Thyme infusion. The herb (20 g) is poured with boiling water (250 milliliters) and left until it cools. Drink a third of a glass three times a day.
Hop tincture. Plant cones (20 grams) are poured with boiling water (250 milliliters). Take 3 times a day, 20 milliliters.

Stages of the disease

Lumbar spinal hernia is characterized by different signs at certain stages of disease progression. Currently, each patient has the opportunity to stop the development of the disease and prevent the risk of serious consequences, as well as to treat a hernia of the lumbar spine without surgery , for this it is necessary to visit a competent specialist in a timely manner. Below we will talk about the main stages characteristic of this pathology:

Prolapse. In this case, there is a slight change in the position of the disk. There is a possibility of its return to its usual place, subject to the cessation of the negative impact;
Protrusion. There is a strong displacement of the location of the disc, but it does not protrude beyond the boundaries of the vertebrae;
Extrusion. The nucleus is displaced beyond the boundaries of the vertebrae;
Sequestration. It is characterized by the appearance of cracks in the area of the fibrous ring. In this case, there is a displacement of the pulp beyond the line marked by the vertebrae.

Massage and manual therapy

To strengthen the muscular frame of the back and improve the blood supply to cartilaginous tissues with nutrients, 5-10 sessions of massage procedures are performed. They allow you to stabilize the spinal segments and prevent further displacement of the discs. In the treatment of hernias, classical, acupuncture, vacuum, and segmental types of massage are used.

A chiropractor is a specialist with a medical education who, using mechanical force with his hands, reduces the size of the protrusion. It eliminates muscle spasms that occur in response to pinched spinal roots and limit mobility in the affected area.

Massage of the cervical-collar area.

Lumbar intervertebral hernia: symptoms

If a lumbar intervertebral hernia is considered, symptoms and treatment, first of all, we are talking about eliminating the consequences of radicular deformity. In this case, atrophy of the muscles of the buttocks and legs is observed. Many patients note numbness in the lower extremities, a slight tingling sensation and a feeling of coldness. In addition, they gradually lose the ability to climb stairs, bend over, jump and squat. In difficult situations, a person experiences significant asymmetry of the body and an increase in temperature in the affected area.

If the hernia moves to the inner part of the spine, the patient may lose the ability to move his legs. Excessive pressure on this area of the spine poses a serious risk to human life. However, the greatest danger to the body is posed by a lumbar hernia, the symptoms of which are characterized by difficulty urinating, and treatment in this case must be selected more carefully, taking into account the need to restore the functioning of the genitourinary system. If the signs of the disease are ignored, men may develop sexual dysfunction, and for women this can lead to frigidity.

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Feedback on recovery after knee surgery

26.01.2021

I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff of the medical center for the treatment provided. I came to the center for treatment of heel spurs. The initial appointment was with Dr. Bogdanov V.Yu., who, after an examination, prescribed a course of UHT and hyvomat. I would like to express my special gratitude to the physiotherapist Tatyana Ivanovna Shmakova for her professionalism and excellent human qualities. After several procedures, the quality of life improved significantly. The pain gradually goes away. I hope it goes away forever. Thank you very much again. The medical center is very well located, not far from the metro, and has its own parking lot. The center is very cozy and equipped with modern equipment. If the need arises, I will definitely contact this institution.

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04.12.2020

I came to the center with back pain, the spasm would not go away. After several sessions of kinesiotherapy and massage, the spasm went away and my back felt better.

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Pain intensity

If the patient suspects that he has a herniated lumbar disc, then appropriate treatment is prescribed only after confirmation of the symptoms. As mentioned above, the main symptom of the disease is pain. Most often he is of a dull nature. Increased discomfort can be observed after a person remains in one position for a long time. Temporary relief comes from changing the position of the body.

It is a mistake to assume that a lumbar disc herniation is a passing phenomenon and to delay treatment. Over time, the disease can become more progressive, causing multiple pinching of nerve endings.

Over time, the pain syndrome can be localized in the gluteal area or accompanied by lumbago in the lower back. This process is called sciatica.

In what cases is surgery necessary?

The main factor when deciding on surgical intervention is the size of the hernial protrusion. For an intervertebral hernia of the cervical spine, the critical indicator is more than 6 mm. The presence of symptoms is taken into account - pain, limited mobility, as well as where the hernia is directed - whether it pinches the nerve endings, the vertebral artery that supplies the brain.

If conservative therapy for six months or more does not produce results and degenerative processes progress, the patient is prescribed surgery.

Absolute indications for removal of a herniated disc:

presence of severe paresis;
increase in sensory and motor disorders;
disruption of the pelvic organs.

To avoid severe complications and not lead to surgery, you should contact medical clinics in the Czech Republic. They use advanced neurosurgical methods and provide highly qualified care. Thanks to the professionalism of Czech doctors, even the most severe patients with cervical hernia return to a full life.

Causes of the disease

If a patient is diagnosed with a Schmorl hernia of the lumbar region, then we can talk about the following causes of the pathology:

Excessive body weight;
Sudden careless movements;
Increased physical activity;
Traumatization of the spine as a result of an accident or fall from a height;
Incorrect formation of the hip joint in children;
Presence of osteochondrosis;
Prolonged sitting, sedentary lifestyle;
Uneven distribution of the load on the spine due to prolonged driving;
Lack of oxygen due to a long period of smoking;
Rachiocampsis;
Age over 30 years;
Hereditary factor;
Chronic diseases of the spine.

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Diagnostic features

If a patient suspects that he or she has a lumbar disc herniation, a thorough diagnosis is necessary before undergoing treatment. However, in order for the diagnosis to be made as accurately as possible and the damaged disc to be identified in the shortest possible time, it is better to contact a qualified specialist in a trusted clinic. In this case, a prerequisite is to take x-rays in frontal and lateral projections, which allows you to form a general idea of the disease. More detailed information about the disease can be obtained using MRI. In addition, the doctor should determine how much mobility and sensitivity is maintained in the legs, and also check the patient for the presence of tendon reflexes. Once the nature of the damage to the nerve endings due to a lumbar hernia is established, the doctor can prescribe treatment.

Diet

One of the causes of a vertebral hernia is a malnutrition of the cartilage tissue that makes up the disc. Therefore, a proper diet will provide the damaged disc with the necessary substances.

If you have a hernia, you will have to exclude from your diet:

baked goods made from premium flour;
fatty foods;
meat products (bacon, sausages, frankfurters);
White rice;
chips;
salted nuts;
ketchup;
margarine;
ice cream;
spicy seasonings;
canned foods;
carbonated drinks.

Useful products include:

bread made from wholemeal flour;
vegetables (especially Jerusalem artichoke and pumpkin) and fruits;
legumes;
nuts;
bran;
porridge;
dietary meat (rabbit, chicken, turkey);
aspic;
jelly;
soy yogurt;
freshly milked milk.

How to treat a herniated lumbar spine?

If a patient is diagnosed with a lumbar spinal hernia, treatment must begin as soon as possible. At the same time, at the initial stage of the pathology, treatment can be carried out using conservative methods; in complex cases, the only method of eliminating the pathology is surgical intervention.

To avoid radical measures and undergo treatment for a hernia of the lumbar spine without surgery, a person is advised to give up bad habits. Increasing physical activity and following a special diet that has a beneficial effect on cartilage and nerves will gradually restore the health of the spine.

Use of medications

If a person is diagnosed with a lumbar hernia, treatment with medications can only eliminate the signs of the disease, and not cope with them completely. In this case, it is mandatory to take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac. They help not only relieve acute pain, but also prevent muscle tissue atrophy in the future. Such medications can be used not only in the form of tablets, but also in the form of gels and ointments.

If the patient feels stiffness of movement and spasms in the muscle area, the doctor prescribes relaxants - Sirdalud and Mydocalm.

Exercise therapy for hernia of the lumbar spine

Treatment of a hernia of the lumbosacral region with conservative methods does not achieve the desired effect in all situations. However, such a gymnastic complex helps prevent subsequent progression of the disease. Exercises for a hernia of the lumbar spine are recommended to be performed only after the discomfort disappears.

The treatment program is compiled by the instructor on an individual basis. Its main goal is to improve the condition of the muscles and prevent further changes in the position of the disc. At the initial stages of development, such activities help to completely get rid of pathology. Exercises for acute lumbar hernia help alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but they are prescribed only after the doctor’s permission. In this case, gentle rotations of the torso and arms, lifting, bending and other activities that help stretch the spine are allowed.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

In order to eliminate the symptoms of a herniated lumbar spine and prescribe effective treatment, the following physiotherapeutic methods are used:

Impact on acupuncture points using needles;
Treatment using warm compresses;
Electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory and anesthetic compounds;
Underwater massage.

Make an appointment Online booking

Clinic on Krasnopresnenskaya +7 (499) 252-41-35 Volkov lane, 21
Clinic on Varshavskaya +7 (499) 610-02-09 Varshavskoe highway, 75, building 1
Clinic in Annino +7 (495) 388-08-08 Varshavskoe highway, 154, building 1

Massage

If the lumbar intervertebral hernia has already passed the acute period, massage can be performed as a treatment. With its help, it is possible to normalize blood circulation, provide the necessary nutrition to tissues and nerves, eliminate spasms in the muscles, free cells from harmful lactic acid and restore lost mobility. In addition, during massage procedures, endorphins are produced in the body, which also gives an anesthetic effect.

The Importance of Shock Wave Therapy

Despite all the variety of modern methods of combating this disease, the shock wave therapy method remains the most effective and safe for the body. For intervertebral hernia of the lumbar region, the shock wave treatment method is as follows:

Exposure of discs to low-frequency sound that is not perceptible to the human ear;
High intensity of sound waves applied to the affected area.

This method of treatment is carried out only if the doctor has not identified any contraindications in the patient during the diagnosis. As a rule, such restrictions include pregnancy, the presence of cancer, acute infectious processes in the body, or the use of a pacemaker.

Experts note the following advantages of this procedure:

The possibility of surgical intervention is excluded, since during the shock wave action the dead part of the hernia of the lumbar spine removed
Shorter and easier rehabilitation period, in contrast to surgery;
Possibility of restoring blood circulation in the affected area;
Gentle impact on diseased areas;
Absence of any discomfort during the treatment session and after it;
Quick pain relief;
Elimination of salt accumulations;
Possibility of strengthening the vertebrae;
Elimination of edema;
Cell regeneration;
Restoring limb mobility;
Removing muscle tone.

Surgery to remove a hernia of the lumbar spine

There are cases when conservative methods of influence are ineffective. These include:

The presence of a focus of inflammation in the area of the sciatic nerve;
Significant change in the position of the intervertebral disc;
Disc rupture;
Poor patency in the longitudinal canal of the spinal cord;
Deterioration of the patient's condition over time.

In this case, only surgical treatment can eliminate the intervertebral hernia of the lumbar spine. However, today there are gentle, minimally invasive surgical techniques, which include:

Laser exposure. Using a laser, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary fluid from the damaged pulp and relieve the nerve from pressure;
Discectomy. This technique involves removing part of the disk. In this case, a needle is used to remove a section of the nucleus pulposus;
In the most difficult cases, the disc is completely removed and then replaced with prosthetics.

Correct mode

During periods of exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to observe bed rest, after which physical activity should be gradually increased. If there is no pain, it is recommended to walk and swim more often.

Quitting smoking and alcoholic beverages will help speed up recovery. They slow down the recovery of the disc, disrupting its blood supply.

People suffering from a hernia should not lift more than 2 kilograms. When lifting heavy objects, you should squat rather than bend, so that the main load falls on your legs.

Prevention rules

As is known, deformation of intervertebral discs occurs against the background of regular or sudden load. Therefore, the most important point is to reduce this load. When sleeping at night, it is recommended to use an orthopedic mattress. It is best to fall asleep lying on your back.

It is also necessary to take a close look at your weight, since its excess has a negative effect on the spine. When performing a set of therapeutic exercises, it is advisable to avoid sudden movements and prolonged stress. Even at home, remember about correct posture, and try to change your body position more often when sitting.

Hirudotherapy

Treatment with medicinal leeches is carried out to eliminate inflammatory swelling and pain, and relax spasmodic skeletal muscles. The saliva of these annelids contains a huge amount of biologically active substances. After penetration into the systemic bloodstream, they accelerate metabolic processes and promote the restoration of damaged connective tissue structures. Each of these chemical compounds has its own medicinal properties - anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-exudative, antiseptic, antimicrobial.

Hirudotherapy.

Possible complications

Among the most serious dangers posed by a lumbar hernia is a disruption in the supply of nerves to the pelvic region and lower extremities. In this case, the patient may experience the following symptoms:

Significant deterioration of sensitivity in the legs and perineum;
The pain becomes too intense;
Muscle weakness in the lower extremities and a noticeable change in gait;
Severe disturbances in the functioning of the urinary system;
Development of impotence in men, lack of sexual activity in women.

If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you should seek help from a neurosurgery specialist as soon as possible. In this case, the effectiveness of conservative methods is considered zero. The possibility of restoring the health of the lumbar spine depends on how seriously you take this problem and how promptly you visit a medical clinic.

Contraindications

Before starting treatment, you need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications and possible side effects of the ingredients in the folk remedy. This is especially true for patients predisposed to the development of local or systemic allergic reactions. Treatment should be stopped if side effects occur from any vital system - digestive disorders, increased heart rate, surges in blood pressure, headaches, dizziness.

It is strictly forbidden to use plants that are not included in official pharmacognosy reference books.