Intervertebral Disc Damage (Discopathy): Therapy

General measures

In case of lumbar spine prolapse (herniated disc in the area of the lumbar spine) relaxed positioning (step positioning). This is already at the first warning signs (back pain, paresthesias / misfeelings, etc.) the best immediate help.
Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use) – smoking can contribute to pain in the long term; it slows healing processes, worsens blood circulation and increases the risk of degenerative disc processes and is thus often a reason for lumbalgia (back pain); stopping smoking can lead to significant relief of pain in disc patients.
Alcohol restriction (abstaining from alcohol consumption) – Alcohol leads to non-deep sleep (reduces the important REM phases and leads to sleep-through problems). The result is not enough restful sleep.
Aim for normal weight! Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.

Cervicobrachial syndrome (cervical spine syndrome), local infiltration with a local anesthetic (agent for local anesthesia) if necessary.
Thoracic spine prolapse: if necessary, targeted infiltration or periradicular therapy (PRT); it is a common percutaneous (applied through the skin) form of therapy in neurosurgery, which is mainly used as pain therapy for radicular symptoms (pain originating from the nerve roots in the spine). The basis is the application of a local anesthetic or corticosteroids directly to the locally inflamed, compressed or stretched nerve root.
Lumbar spine prolapse: infiltration of the pain points or periradicular therapy (PRT).
See also under surgical therapy/percutaneous intervention procedures.

Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
Nutritional recommendations according to a healthy mixed diet taking into account the age. This means, among other things:
- Daily total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit).
- Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
- High-fiber diet (whole grain products).
Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis
See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.

Endurance training (cardio training) and strength training (muscle training) [after the acute phase].
The structural loosening of the spine that occurs as a result of disc degeneration can be treated symptomatically by training the muscles of the trunk.
Preparation of a fitness or training plan with suitable sports disciplines based on a medical check (health check or athlete check).
Detailed information on sports medicine you will receive from us.

The following additional therapeutic measures are recommended in uncomplicated cases of discopathy (disc damage):