When a person has an intervertebral hernia, how to relieve pain? This question becomes the most pressing for the patient. You can alleviate the condition with the help of medications and traditional methods.
To understand what a hernia is, you need to have an idea of the structure of the spine. It consists of vertebrae with intervertebral discs located between them. Thanks to them, the mobility of the spine is ensured. The discs comprise the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus.
With a hernia, the fibrous ring ruptures, as a result of which the soft nucleus pulposus is partially pushed out. This causes compression of the spinal cord or pressure on the nerve root that runs nearby. This is what causes back pain.
With a lumbar hernia, the pain “radiates” to the leg, and with a cervical hernia, the pain radiates to the arm. As a rule, the pain goes away on its own within 3 to 4 weeks. However, the patient should reduce physical activity and physical activity, and also take painkillers.
The disease is accompanied by the following symptoms, which help determine the presence of a problem:
These symptoms, although they cause some discomfort, do not pose a danger. However, if the nerve roots are damaged, the situation becomes more serious.
In this case, the following signs appear:
These signs are a serious reason to consult a doctor, otherwise there may be complications. If the patient consults a doctor in time, this will give him every chance that the hernia will not need to be treated surgically.
Regardless of the location of the hernia, as a rule, the same treatment methods are used.
You can try to help yourself if you have back pain. Of course, self-medication is not the most correct approach, but if you cannot see a doctor, you can use the following recommendations:
This option is advisable for people with stomach diseases. If the gel or ointment does not help, you can switch to tablets.
It is worth noting that the patient cannot independently select medications for injections and administer injections. Only a doctor should make such a prescription and carry out the manipulation.
If the doctor believes that it is advisable for the patient to undergo a course of injections, he may prescribe a course of novocaine injections. In this case, the medicine is injected into the area of greatest intensity of pain.
There are 2 types of injections:
Manipulation is carried out using a special needle. It must be introduced very slowly and carefully. In the second method, local anesthesia is used because the procedure is painful.
This procedure is very serious, so injections should only be performed by a specialist. Otherwise, complications such as disorders of the motor and nervous systems can be provoked.
Modern medicine widely uses steroids for pain relief.
If a person has a hernia in the lumbar spine, he can try using traditional methods.
But he should definitely consult with his doctor. So, you can use:
You need to repeat the procedure 2 days in a row.
Physiotherapy procedures are widely used as pain relievers. Among them, the most widespread are:
The appointment of a physiotherapeutic course is also carried out by the attending physician.
The craniovertebral region is a mobile structure of the cervical spine that allows movements of the head.
Due to its vulnerability, this zone is more susceptible to various types of damage than others.
Damage to the craniovertebral region is accompanied by the appearance of various symptoms.
The most dangerous cases include cases when the pathological process affects the main structure of this anatomical zone - the vertebral artery and the nerve plexuses that accompany it.
A disease that can have a negative effect on the vertebral artery and nerves is Kimmerly's anomaly .
Many patients who go to doctors with complaints of back pain are diagnosed with degenerative-dystrophic changes .
Pathology develops due to deterioration in the nutritional process of intervertebral joints.
First of all, cartilage is affected, and then bone structures.
As the disease progresses, they become deformed.
The cartilage tissue becomes thinner, becomes brittle, and growths appear on the vertebrae.
When microcracks appear, the patient begins to feel pain.
Degenerative-dystrophic processes that occur in the spine are one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
These changes can be of a different nature: it can be osteochondrosis, spondyloarthrosis, spondylosis, etc.
According to statistics, more than 80% of the world's population in one way or another encounter pathological changes in the spinal column.
The situation is aggravated by the modern lifestyle: poor environment, sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, bad habits and unhealthy diet.
Anyone can experience degenerative changes, so it is important to know how to deal with these pathologies.
Pain and stiffness in the neck are usually attributed to prolonged exposure to a draft or in an uncomfortable position, while the cause of the discomfort may lie in something completely different.
Often pain appears due to degenerative changes caused by natural wear and tear of the tissues and structures of the spine.
These conditions are considered dangerous because may lead to the development of complications.
That's why if you experience pain in the cervical spine, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
The doctor will prescribe the necessary examinations, review their results and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, draw up a treatment plan.
Degenerative-dystrophic disorders in the lumbar region are associated with multiple effects on the vertebrae of various factors.
One of the main factors is age.
This is what makes the disease difficult to treat. And subsequently it becomes chronic.
The pathology is characterized by a progressive course; without proper treatment, dangerous complications are added to the painful symptoms.
The disease must be stopped at the initial stage, otherwise serious consequences cannot be avoided.
Lower back pain can be caused by a number of reasons.
But the pain that appears due to lumbodynia has characteristic features.
Lower back pain occurs when the cartilage tissue and muscle fiber of the intervertebral disc are damaged.
And if the patient is subject to constant physical activity, and even has a weak body, then the muscle frame cannot withstand it, and muscle spasms appear, causing pain.
Damage to the intervertebral disc can occur due to the presence of degenerative diseases, spinal deformities, injuries, etc. So lumbodynia cannot be called an independent disease. It is rather a pain syndrome caused by the presence of another spinal disease.
Uncovertebral arthrosis is a type of arthrosis characterized by wear and tear of the cartilage in the cervical spine.
The loss of a softening pad provokes an increase in friction between the vertebrae, inflammation of nearby tissues and bone deformations.
The disease is accompanied by osteophytes.
In the absence of proper therapy, the neck may completely lose mobility.
That is why it is important to contact a specialist in a timely manner and begin to take the necessary measures.
Any changes in the spinal column cause pain.
The cervical region is mobile, with nerve endings running nearby to and from the brain.
Instability of the vertebrae of the cervical spine causes a person unpleasant sensations in the form of pain.
There are several causes of instability, from trauma to congenital pathologies.
Seeing a doctor in a timely manner, taking tests, and selecting a course of treatment will help you get rid of pain.
It is important not to self-medicate; in severe cases, surgical intervention is possible. Most often, vertebral instability occurs in adolescents and older people.
The spinal cord, which is located in the spinal canal, controls many functions of systems and organs in the human body.
Diseases that affect the spinal cord, which is an important part of the central nervous system, are very dangerous.
One of these diseases is myelopathy .
This is a collective term for a syndrome that refers to damage to the spinal cord due to disease of the spinal column.
If left untreated, there is a high risk of severe complications and irreversible damage to the spinal cord.
Osteoarthritis of the spine is usually understood as degenerative and dystrophic changes in it, which make themselves felt by pain.
The disease leads to limitation of motor activity and work ability of patients.
Elderly people are more susceptible to it.
Osteoarthritis provokes changes in the cartilage tissue and bone located nearby, the affected area swells, and pain appears.
As the disease progresses, spurs and osteophytes appear. The cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine can be affected. Treatment of the disease is usually complex.
If numbness in the leg occurs due to a herniated disc, treatment should be started immediately so as not to trigger the disease. Numbness in the leg can be caused by various factors, but the most dangerous of them is a herniated disc. The most common cause of numbness is a hernia located in the lower lumbar region.
Often it is not so much the leg that goes numb as the foot. This side effect is most noticeable in people over 30 years of age. In the most advanced cases, people lose the ability to walk normally, which, of course, greatly affects a person’s daily life.
The leg becomes numb due to the strong pressure of the vertebrae on the nerve endings, which is exerted by the hernia. The example given earlier is the most common cause of leg numbness due to a hernia, but is not the only one. To accurately diagnose your disease and begin the necessary treatment, you should first consult a doctor.
For help, many people start going to chiropractors, which in this situation is not entirely true, since chiropractors will not be able to help remove the hernia. Yes, for a short period of time they will be able to ease the symptoms of a hernia, perhaps even the numbness of the leg will subside for a while, but this will not solve the problem.
You should know that if the leg becomes numb precisely because of a vertebral hernia, then there is no point in treating only the leg, because the cause of the numbness itself will not be eliminated, and then the problems may return again. Therefore, instead of paying attention only to the leg, you need to pay attention to the underlying problem: a herniated disc.
Treatment should begin immediately after the neurologist diagnoses the exact cause of the hernia, because often numbness of the leg with such a disease can lead to more serious problems that will significantly undermine the vital functions and ability of the body to work.
Most often, patients with numbness in the legs due to a hernia describe their symptoms as severe back pain, which then moves into the leg, “lumbago” in the leg, severe weakness or a feeling of “wobbly” legs.
There are many treatment methods for numbness in the leg, but most often this disease is treated using the methods presented below:
Experts recommend various medications for different situations, but the most popular remedies for this case are:
The most effective, according to doctors, method of eliminating the cause of numbness in the leg due to a vertebral hernia is spinal traction. The best solution in this situation would be to look for a center that also deals with underwater stretching of the spine. All staff of such complexes have high medical qualifications in the field of treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and therapeutic exercises. Underwater traction of the spine should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a doctor and in a certain order.
After the procedures, you can safely go home, having first put on a treatment belt. Even after the first session, the leg is no longer as numb as before. But in order to consolidate the result, you should complete the full course of the prescribed treatment and after that continue to monitor the condition of your spine.
It will also be useful to visit an osteopath or chiropractor, as they will help reduce the size of the hernia, due to which the numbness of the leg will successfully pass and will soon cease to bother you completely.
The main thing in this matter is to find a good specialist with good reviews who will really help eliminate problems with a hernia or at least reduce it as much as possible.
Approximately 3-4 weeks after the start of treatment, the symptoms will slowly subside, the pain will no longer be so obvious, and the numbness of the leg will disappear completely. It is possible to recover completely even in 2-3 months, but only if the patient takes a responsible attitude towards his health and does not start treatment immediately after the first noticeable improvements, but continues the necessary course.
To relieve pain from a vertebral hernia, doctors recommend taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (hereinafter NSAIDs). They, like most drugs, can provoke unwanted side effects, which can be avoided if the drugs are taken correctly.
NSAIDs belong to one of the main groups of drugs actively used to treat intervertebral hernia. With their help, it is possible not only to dull the pain, but also to relieve the inflammation observed with a lumbar hernia. The mechanism of action of NSAIDs is to inhibit the enzymes COX-1, COX-2 and COX-3 - cyclooxygenases involved in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators - prostaglandins.
In the recent past, medicine used only short-acting NSAIDs. The effect of taking such drugs lasted only a few hours. Similar drugs include Ibuprofen, Ortofen, Indomethacin, Ketorolac, Naproxen.
Today, along with short-acting drugs, NSAIDs with a prolonged effect are also widely used, maintaining a therapeutic effect throughout the day - Ceberex, Ketoprofen, Piroxicam, Sulindac. Thanks to the prolonged action, it is possible, by reducing the number of doses, to minimize the possibility of side effects.
There are two types of NSAIDs:
Selective drugs are characterized by a small number of side effects, which makes them more preferable from a safety point of view. NSAIDs prescribed for spinal hernia are available in the form of ointments, tablets or solutions administered with other drugs during puncture.
When assessing the anti-inflammatory effect, popular NSAIDs can be arranged in the following order (in ascending order): Aspirin, Amidopyrine, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen, Diclofenac sodium, Fluibuprofen, Indomethacin.
According to the analgesic effect: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Piroxicam, Amidopyrine, Fluibuprofen, Indomethacin, Diclofenac sodium, Ketoprofen.
In many cases, NSAIDs are prescribed for a long term, so when taking them, you should understand their side effects in advance and take the necessary precautions.
It should be recognized that NSAIDs, while having an enviable analgesic effect, can at the same time cause serious side effects, and therefore are not suitable for all patients. NSAIDs, having an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa, can, in particular, provoke peptic ulcers or NSAID-induced gastritis.
To avoid undesirable consequences, the described drugs must be taken after meals. In addition, it is recommended to use tablets coated with a special coating that dissolves in the intestines and not in the stomach.
NSAIDs, administered by injection, without causing side effects, cause an excellent analgesic effect for intervertebral hernia. To relieve pain, as a rule, one drug is enough. When taking several non-steroidal drugs at the same time, the possibility of side effects increases markedly.
If, when taking NSAIDs, you give preference to short-term courses and adhere to minimal dosages, then the likelihood of unwanted complications can be minimized. In addition, people taking non-steroidal drugs are recommended to:
Long-term use of NSAIDs can cause increased blood pressure, abdominal pain, swelling of the legs and face. However, all of the above effects are typical for older people.
If complications occur, the situation may be aggravated by the fact that damage to the intestinal and gastric mucosa is not accompanied by any pain and is almost asymptomatic. Patients, as a rule, begin to worry only when the emerging disorders become serious enough to cause discomfort and pain.
In some cases, damage to the gastrointestinal tract even causes bleeding. Doctors usually call this effect a “silent ulcer.” It also happens that clinical manifestations of a peptic ulcer are present, but the patient experiencing pain caused by a hernia simply does not pay attention to gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, all pain experienced by the patient is muffled by painkillers.
When taking NSAIDs, first of all, you need to pay attention to the occurrence of the following symptoms:
As a rule, the appearance of the above symptoms is not accidental and indicates damage to the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to know that the first year of taking NSAIDs is especially dangerous - it is during this period that gastrointestinal bleeding is very likely.
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of bleeding:
The appearance of the above signs is a reason to immediately call a doctor, who must be informed about taking NSAIDs in order to relieve pain accompanying a vertebral hernia. It should be realized that bleeding is a serious pathology that can cause the death of the patient.
Contraindications to the use of NSAIDs are:
Diclofenac is an ointment that perfectly relieves the pain that accompanies a lumbar hernia. The drug has been successfully used for many years for diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
The active ingredient in Diclofenac is a derivative of phenylacetic acid, which inhibits three existing types of cyclooxygenases. Two weeks is the maximum period for taking the drug, since Diclofenac is a representative of non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
Movalis is a more modern drug than Diclofenac. Refers to a selective type of NSAID. The required effect is achieved with much smaller dosages.
Naproxen, Indomethacin, Surgama and Ketotifen are painkillers that should not be taken by people with professions that require increased attention, including drivers. The four drugs listed can cause insomnia, dizziness and even hallucinations.
Ketorolac cannot be used for a long time.
Ketoprofen is prohibited for smokers and alcohol drinkers.
Phenylbutazone – requires dietary restrictions. In particular, it is necessary to reduce salt intake.
Important! During pregnancy, it is prohibited to take medications that contain analgin, ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid, ketoprofen, indomethacin, naproxen.
When taking medications for pain caused by a vertebral hernia, you should remember that surgam, aspirin, diclofenac sodium, tenoxicam, indomethacin, ketoprofen and naproxen are very dangerous for patients who have a tendency to bleed. The above drugs, by reducing platelet aggregation and increasing blood clotting time, can provoke hemorrhagic syndrome.
Ibuprofen , as well as its analogues, are better tolerated by patients than Diclofenac sodium. In particular, they can be taken even by children and pregnant women. Moreover, they have the same powerful effect as Diclofenac sodium.
Even one week of taking Indomethacin can result in damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. This is why Indomethacin is prohibited for patients with peptic ulcers.
Ketoprofen is capable of providing analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that are tens of times stronger than the effect of taking Ibuprofen.
Nimesulide is usually available in the form of gels and ointments with the prefix “nise”.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are an integral part of many ointments used for intervertebral hernia. They have a local effect that does not disrupt the gastrointestinal tract. If there are contraindications for taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs released in tablet form, the patient is recommended to use ointments (gels). Having a similar effect, they are able to relieve pain for a fairly long period.
The most popular ointments containing NSAIDs are Voltaren emulgel and Fastum gel.
Fastum gel also has a therapeutic effect. In addition to the active ingredient - ketoprofen, it also contains additional substances that have a healing effect - neroli and lavender oil, menthol.
Voltaren emulgel, containing diclofenac, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, perfectly relieves pain due to a hernia - in the spine and leg. The drug is practically safe - this has been confirmed by multiple clinical studies.
It is important to remember that ointments containing NSAIDs should be applied only to intact skin. In addition, it is necessary to avoid getting the drug on the mucous membranes. If scales, vesicles, swelling, papules, redness, itching and other unpleasant effects appear at the site of application of the ointment, the use of the drug must be stopped immediately. The use of ointments with diclofenac may also cause photosensitivity.
Intervertebral hernia treatment, vertebral hernia treatment, herniated disc treatment, intervertebral herniation surgery, osteochondrosis, treatment of osteochondrosis, back pain, lower back pain, herniated spine, herniated cervical spine, herniated lumbar spine, hernia of the thoracic spine, International Center neurosurgery.
Lumbar herniated disc
The human spine consists of vertebrae, between which are intervertebral discs . The spine has 3 main sections: cervical (7 vertebrae), thoracic (12 vertebrae), lumbar (5 vertebrae). Below the lumbar region is the sacrum bone. The spine ends with the coccyx (tail bone).
Intervertebral discs allow the spine to move and provide shock absorption, softening the load. The disc itself consists of a hard outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft inner nucleus pulposus (nucleus pulposus) .
When a herniated disc occurs, the annulus fibrosus ruptures and a small portion of the nucleus pulposus is pushed out. When the hernia is large, it compresses the nerve root, which is located nearby. This is how leg pain occurs.
Not all hernias require treatment, since they often do not compress the nerve root, and if they do, it is not always enough to cause serious complaints.
However, it should be remembered that in some cases, a herniated disc can be a serious problem and, if not treated in a timely manner, cause irreversible damage to the nervous structures, which in turn can lead to weakness in the limbs, disruption of the pelvic organs, and paralysis.
The pain intensifies when sitting, coughing and sneezing, trying to bend forward and when turning the body from side to side during sleep.
Symptoms indicating the severity of nerve root damage:
Often, a herniated disc can exist asymptomatically, without manifesting itself. Proof of this is the frequent cases of hernia being detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients who do not have any complaints.
Contact your neurosurgeon immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
It is important to remember that with the symptoms described above, you need to seek medical help within the first 24 hours , since delaying time can lead to irreversibility of lost functions (control of the pelvic organs, the ability to walk).
The cause of such complications with herniated intervertebral discs can be the large size of the hernia, which in some cases can block the spinal canal and compress all the nerves passing through it. This syndrome is commonly called cauda equina syndrome and requires immediate surgical treatment.
A condition where there is weakness or lack of movement in the foot is called foot paresis and indicates a dysfunction of the nerve root. In case of foot paresis, surgery must be performed within the first 7 days after its occurrence.
Despite their strength, intervertebral discs have some weak points. There are no blood vessels in the intervertebral discs. The disc is nourished by diffusion (impregnation) from the surrounding tissues. In this case, nutrients more actively enter the disc only at the moment of movement in the spine. The modern lifestyle of a person does not provide the necessary physical activity (for example, office work), which leads to a deterioration in the nutrition of the intervertebral discs and, as a consequence, to a decrease in their strength and rupture.
Hard physical labor , especially associated with lifting weights and working in an uncomfortable position (for example, working in a field in a bent position), has an equally destructive effect on the intervertebral disc Rupture of the fibrous ring and the formation of a herniated disc can occur even if the disc is injured by excessive single physical activity (for example, when lifting a heavy object).
, genetic weakness of the spine has received increasing attention . In particular, after numerous studies conducted with the participation of twins who lead completely different lifestyles, it has been proven that 60-70% of degenerative changes in the spine depend on genetics. This is especially true in cases where we observe herniated intervertebral discs in adolescents and young adults.
Other risk factors for a herniated disc include:
If you experience leg or lower back pain, relief may sometimes require several days of bed rest. However, you should not stay in bed for more than 2-3 days, as this can lead to weakening of the spinal muscles and increased pain. In the first weeks after the onset of pain, it is not recommended to perform any special exercises , fitness, aerobics, running, shaping, etc. To maintain physical fitness at this time, swimming, cycling, and walking can be recommended. If you feel increased pain during any physical activity, stop immediately.
Among the medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, meloxicam, Celebrex, naproxen, acetaminophen, etc., can temporarily improve the condition. However, when taking them, you should not exceed the recommended daily dose and total duration of use (10 - 15 days ). People with stomach and intestinal diseases (gastritis, ulcers) should also take these medications with caution.
To determine if you have a herniated disc, your doctor will take a medical history and perform a neurological examination. In particular, he will check for symptoms indicating compression of nerve structures, and if present, examine the extent to which these structures have lost their function. However, the following examination methods are decisive in diagnosing spinal diseases:
In most cases (80%) of uncomplicated intervertebral disc herniation, patients recover without surgical treatment. The reason is that over time the hernia loses water, “dries out” and, as a result, decreases in size. The average time for a hernia to “dry out” is 6-12 months. This is a natural process that cannot be accelerated. The often used concept of “hernia treatment without surgery” is actually just a set of measures to relieve pain while waiting for the hernia to naturally decrease. Such measures include medication, blockades, special exercises, physical therapy, and the like.
If regular painkillers don't help relieve lower back pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers (sometimes even narcotics) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Despite the large number of NSAIDs on the market, they all have approximately the same effectiveness and differ only in the severity of side effects. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before taking these medications. The most common NSAIDs that are used to relieve lower back pain are: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac (Dicloberl, Voltaren, Olfen), Meloxicam (Movalis), coxibs (Arcoxia, Celebrexa), etc. Due to possible side effects, it is not recommended to take NSAIDs more than 15-20 days. The most common side effect of long-term use of NSAIDs is damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to the formation of ulcers. Drugs from other groups, despite their significant distribution on the market, have not proven their effectiveness in the treatment of intervertebral disc herniation and back pain. It is recommended that drug treatment be used only for relief when pain flares up and not as a permanent treatment.
If drug treatment is ineffective, the patient may be recommended to undergo an x-ray controlled blockade. The essence of the method is that, under X-ray control, a solution of hormones and painkillers is injected through a special needle to the place where the nerve root is compressed by the hernia.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The patient sees the entire process on the monitor. Discharged home 2-3 hours after the procedure. Typically, within a few hours after the procedure, the patient feels a significant reduction in pain. The duration of the analgesic effect depends on the degree of compression of the nerve root by the herniation. In approximately 50% of patients, such a blockade is a trigger for recovery. This procedure can be repeated 1 - 3 times.
Local administration of drugs allows for maximum effect at the site of pain with minimal systemic exposure. Performing such blockades allows you to control the pain process for a long time, delay or often even avoid surgical intervention.
In cases where pain is not controlled with medications and epidural blocks, if pain has not improved after 6 weeks of conservative treatment, or if symptoms indicating possible permanent nerve damage are present, the patient may require surgical treatment. About 9 - 10% of patients with intervertebral disc herniation require surgery.
The internationally recognized standard for surgical treatment of intervertebral disc herniation is microdiscectomy. The operation is performed under general anesthesia and lasts about 20-30 minutes. Microdiscectomy is performed under a special neurosurgical operating microscope using micro-instruments. This operation is an example of minimally invasive technologies used for diseases of the spine. Performing it under a microscope allows you to remove the hernia without damaging the surrounding tissue. This is especially true for nerve structures that are located in close proximity.
Minimally invasive technologies reduce pain in the postoperative period. Discharge takes place the next day after surgery.
*This information is taken from the recommendations of the US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (USA).
Laser hernia removal . A widely known method of treating intervertebral hernia. Used as an alternative to standard conservative treatment if there are no indications for microdiscectomy. It has very narrow indications and virtually no advantages over standard conservative treatment. You can find out more about this treatment method in the corresponding section.
Manual therapy . The effectiveness of manual therapy has not been definitively proven. Studies have not shown any benefit from using manual therapy as an adjunct to exercise reduction and the use of pain medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In fact, it can be used in the first month after problems with the lower back occur to relieve an acute attack of pain. The use of manual therapy after 1 month is not justified. Manual therapy is not indicated in the presence of sciatica (pain radiates to the leg below the knee) and with progressive neurological deficit . Before conducting a course of manual therapy, it is necessary to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify serious diseases (for example, tumors), for which manual therapy is strictly contraindicated. The use of manual therapy on the cervical spine is a very controversial issue due to the numerous complications that can arise.
Injections of drugs into trigger points . The essence of the method is to inject painkillers into special (trigger) points in the spine. The effectiveness of the method has not been proven and is doubtful. Repeated use of this method to relieve back pain is not recommended.
Spinal traction . Spinal traction is performed using various techniques. An example would be stretching in water (underwater spinal traction), stretching using special devices (horizontal bars) and exercise machines, stretching while performing special exercises (kinesitherapy, etc.). Despite the possible short-term pain reduction, the use of traction has been found to be ineffective. Before such procedures, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is mandatory. Contraindications are the same as for manual therapy.
Wearing a corset . Studies have not shown the effectiveness of braces for relieving low back pain. In addition, prolonged wearing of a corset can weaken the spinal muscles, which delays the healing process. Helps temporarily relieve pain from spinal instability.
Acupuncture (acupuncture) . There is no evidence of effectiveness in treating acute attacks of pain. It is believed that it can provide some relief from chronic lower back pain.
Methods of influence (heat, cold, ultrasound) . Efficacy has not been proven, but use at home may provide some relief.
Severe pain due to a hernia of the lumbar spine usually appears at a later stage. The cause of pain is the enlargement of the tumor, which compresses the nerve roots. A person may feel a sharp, aching, pressing pain that manifests itself at rest, during exercise or movement. Often, with an intervertebral hernia, pain radiates to the hip joint, and as the size increases, pain radiates to the knee and heels.
To make the pain go away faster, during an attack you need to take a horizontal position and drink a painkiller, and after the unpleasant symptom subsides, immediately consult a doctor.
More often, a spinal hernia occurs in the lumbar region, since this area is quite mobile and experiences heavy stress every day. Due to the negative impact, blood flow in the intervertebral discs deteriorates, microtraumas are formed, which leads to their drying out and loss of elasticity. When a hernia occurs, the pulp comes out, which compresses the nerve fibers, resulting in back pain, which manifests itself especially acutely in the lower back.
With pain, a person is unable to move; he cannot bend or straighten. Spasms are required to prevent further damage to the nerve roots. Subsequently, the pain becomes constant; the patient always feels a tugging sensation in the lumbar region, especially after a busy day at work. The following reasons can provoke increased pain in a vertebral hernia:
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Hernia pain may vary from patient to patient, depending on many factors. Often the pain radiates to the leg or knee joints. A hernia hurts especially acutely if it has become aggravated or inflamed. The pain syndrome intensifies when the nerve ending is pinched, causing lumbago and sharp tingling sensations. In the chronic course of the disease, the pain is less pronounced, it is more aching or pulling. During this period, the symptom is associated not with clamping, but with deformation of the root. Against the background of pain, the patient tries to straighten less, which affects his posture. Pain often radiates to the following areas:
Painful manifestations may also differ depending on the location of the vertebral hernia, its size and direction. The most pronounced signs are observed with the dorsal type of formation in the spinal region, in which the hernia is directed back to the spinal canal. With this disorder, the space of the spinal cord narrows, which provokes paralysis and disability.
In addition to pain due to lumbar intervertebral hernia, the patient is concerned about other pathological signs. If there is a deviation, the following symptoms are observed:
With a vertebral hernia and frequent pain, improper excretion of urine occurs, which leads to swelling with subsequent kidney complications.
If pain from a spinal hernia does not go away for a long time, then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you detect the problem in time and stop the first signs of deviation, then pain can be completely avoided. The specialist will examine the affected area and prescribe a number of diagnostic procedures:
It is necessary to eliminate pain arising from intervertebral hernia in a comprehensive manner, using medications, folk remedies, performing special exercises and physical procedures. To relieve pain, use the medications presented in the table: