Herniated disc – what to do?

General

In a herniated disc, the core of the vertebra pushes through the fibrous ring and can affect nerves that run near the vertebra. This can lead to so-called nerve root compression. The most common type of herniated disc is that which occurs in the lumbar spine (lumbar spine).

Typical symptoms that may indicate the presence of a herniated disc are pain in the area of the back as well as radiating towards the legs, feet or arms and hands. Sensitivity disorders, a tingling sensation or paralysis are also typical symptoms of a herniated disc. If there is a suspicion of a herniated disc, a doctor should be consulted, who can confirm or disprove the suspicion if necessary.

After a diagnosis is made, a suitable therapy can be started. The assessment of the severity of the problem is also important for the further procedure and can be done by a doctor. In general, some things should be observed in the case of an acute herniated disc.

Important is the exact analysis of the occurring symptoms. In case of symptoms such as paralysis or sudden disturbances in urination or bowel movement together with considerable pain in the back and legs, an emergency room should be consulted. In this case, there is a risk of considerable impairment of the nerves running along the back.

When a herniated disc is diagnosed, the recommendations of the doctor and the treating physiotherapist should be followed first. They can assess the individual severity of the problem and the consequences. For most herniated disks, light movements and exercises can and should be started again after an initial relief of the affected structures.

The execution of the exercises can help to accelerate the healing of the herniated disc. It also improves the prognosis. Which exercises are suitable can be assessed and shown by the treating physiotherapist.

The symptoms of the herniated disc can be treated in different ways. Conservatively, the intake of pain and anti-inflammatory drugs as well as the performance of special exercises are in the foreground, whereby it is sometimes necessary to perform an operation of the herniated disc in order to achieve the best possible therapeutic success. In summary, it can be said that there is no standard procedure for a herniated disc, but must be agreed in each individual case, what is best to do.

What to do about pain?

Pain is mentioned by many people as one of the more common symptoms of a herniated disc. The treatment of the pain can be done in different ways. As a rule, a herniated disc is initially treated conservatively.

. In addition to performing certain physiotherapy exercises, taking medication can help to treat the pain. In this case, drugs are used which have both pain and anti-inflammatory effects.

Especially the group of NSAIDs is used. In addition, drugs from the group of opiates and muscle relaxants (muscle relaxants) are used. You can find more detailed information under: Medications for a herniated disc A slow build-up of the back muscles can also help to minimise pain during the healing process.

During the healing process as well as directly after an acute herniated disc, there is typically an increase in pain in certain positions. This can be explained by the different load on the individual vertebrae. The load on the spinal column in a sitting position is many times higher than in a standing or lying position. Blows to the back, such as when jogging or jumping, also place a heavy load on the intervertebral discs. In order to minimize the pain caused by a herniated disc, it is therefore advisable to avoid situations that are stressful for the spine.