Herniated hernia: symptoms and proper treatment

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Pain in the back may be a consequence of various diseases, in particular, the appearance of intervertebral hernias. Such hernias occur for a number of reasons, in most cases they can be cured if the doctor's recommendation and compliance with his prescriptions are observed. It is worth noting that it is possible to treat a spinal hernia without surgery at home.

Hernia is a displacement of the pulpous nucleus with a rupture of the fibrous ring. In other words, the appearance of the disease occurs when there is a rupture of the hard shell - the fibrous ring and because of this the liquid that enters the core follows through the cracks. Compression of the discs leads to protrusion of the contents, which is a hernia.

Symptoms of the appearance of the disease

The appearance of a hernia in various parts of the spine is accompanied by painful sensations. Although in the early stages they may not be, or may be of an implicit nature, not to cause inconvenience. In connection with this, the diagnosis at first of the disease is difficult, because the patient simply ignores mild symptoms.

Painful sensations can be a constant aching nature, and may also increase or arise during physical work, bends, corners of the body and neck. In addition, pain can accompany a feeling of numbness in the fingers, legs or chest, depending on the spine, where the hernia was found.

Important! In the most severe cases, loss of motor activity may occur for some time, or paralysis of the lower limbs. Symptoms of a hernia depend on the location of her dislocation.

Causes of

The appearance of intervertebral hernias is a consequence of various causes:

• a consequence of osteochondrosis;
• various curvatures of the spine, such as scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis;
• consequences and complications of injuries.

There are also a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of the disease in different parts of the spine:

• age - the tendency to the appearance of hernias occurs in the period of 20-50 years;
• weakening of the muscular corset caused by lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle;
• bad habits;
• long work at the table;
• excess weight;
• sharp movements.

Important! In order to timely diagnose the presence of a hernia it is necessary to undergo a full medical examination to monitor the health status and identify the risk factors.

Types of

Herniated spine is found in several species.

Cervical hernia

Cervical - a fairly rare type of hernia. It develops in the cervical spine. Often becomes a consequence of osteochondrosis, incorrect posture, traumatization of the cervical spine.

1. When a hernia appears periodic aching pain in the neck and shoulders of varying degrees of intensity, which is amplified when making inclined movements, turns, sneezing, coughing.
2. It is also possible to feel numbness in the fingers, "goose bumps" on the body.
3. Periodically starts to worry about dizziness, blood pressure changes.
4. There is a violation of sleep and memory.

Interesting! Details about the treatment of the hernia of the cervical department can be found in our article.

Lumbosacral hernia

Lumbosacral is one of the most common types of hernia of the spine, which is caused by increased strain on this area. The reasons are most often the irrational physical load: both too intense, without observing the technique of performance, and lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, abuse of harmful habits. Symptoms of a hernia of the lumbosacral spine are quite common.

1. Also accompanied by a pain syndrome that occurs in the lumbar region, giving the legs, buttocks, often hurt the foot and lower leg, there is a feeling of numbness in the lower limbs, toes, groin.
2. The pain is aggravated by movement, bends, slopes.
3. The mobility of the lumbar region is reduced.
4. In the most severe cases, it can lead to paresis of the lower extremities.

Treatment of the hernia of the lumbosacral spine should be started at the first signs.

Thoracic hernia

Thoracic - characterized by a painful syndrome in the chest, and there may be pain in the region of the heart during movement, which does not go away even after taking heart medications.

1. Pain can focus both in the chest and in the interblade area, with a feeling of numbness, increased by sneezing and coughing.
2. Possible disruption of the bowel and bladder.
3. The development of a hernia in the thoracic area may be caused by stooping, scoliosis, other diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Important! Each type of hernia requires its own specific treatment tactics, therefore it is necessary to visit a doctor who treats a hernia.

Treatment without surgery

Treatment of intervertebral hernia begins with its diagnosis, determination of the type and localization, the presence of complications. Given the above factors, the doctor makes a treatment plan individually for each patient.

As diagnostic methods are used:

• collection of complaints, the history of the disease;
• objective survey methods, such as inspection;
• performance of specific tests, allowing to suspect a violation of conduction of nerve fibers in the pathological area;
• X-ray methods of research;
• magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography.

Based on the data obtained, the appropriate treatment package is selected. It includes:

1. Medication - taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some severe cases, when pain is acute and restricts movement, anesthesia may be blocked with an anesthetic in the area of ​​the source of pain.
2. Compliance with bed rest, elimination of physical activity - an absolute role in the healing process plays absolute rest, after the burning of acute pain and to improve the condition, physical activity should be minimized.
3. Physiotherapy methods of treatment - allow to reduce or completely stop the pain syndrome and stimulate the recovery process.
4. Massage - the appointment occurs depending on the patient's condition, in an acute period is contraindicated, since it can aggravate the patient's condition. This procedure can be carried out in the recovery period of treatment or in a complex of medical measures in the absence of acute manifestations.
5. Therapeutic gymnastics. As the condition improves and the pain subsides, a course of physiotherapy or gymnastics is prescribed. Exercises are aimed at increasing muscle tone, forming a muscular corset that supports the spine, preventing further re-emergence of hernias.

Treatment is complex and is selected taking into account the nature and severity of the disease.

At home,

The effectiveness of treating a spinal hernia at home is a big question. Regardless of the degree of development of the disease, it is necessary to observe and monitor the specialist, as well as conduct specific methods of examination that are unattainable at home. In addition, the degree of severity, the need for surgical treatment can be determined only by a doctor.

Self-administration of medications is unacceptable, this also applies to the selection of physical activity. The intensity of the load should be determined by a specialist in order to avoid additional injuries and deterioration of the condition.

In the home, the patient's primary task is to provide himself with peace and limit the burden on the spine during the period of treatment.

Important! It should be noted that in some particularly difficult cases, surgery is required. Which doctor treats the hernia of the spine, we have already written in detail in our article.

However, at home it is quite possible to take preventive measures aimed at increasing muscle tone, strengthening the back muscles and creating a muscular corset responsible for supporting the spine. For these purposes, regular charging in the mornings, performance of medical gymnastics and other forms of physical activity is perfect.

Treatment with folk remedies

Treatment of a spinal hernia with folk remedies at home is recommended after consultation with a doctor. People's non-medicines can help alleviate the pain syndrome and improve the general well-being of the patient.

Garlic compress

For these purposes, various compresses perfectly suit. For example, a compress from garlic infusion. For its preparation a glass of chopped garlic is poured with alcohol or vodka, close and insist in a dark place for 7-10 days. Then in the received infusion it is necessary to soak a bandage or other clean cloth and put it to the sore spot, the film is laid on top and wrapped with a warm scarf for 30-40 minutes.

Honey

Useful for hernias honey is a healing remedy for all diseases. It is necessary to mix 4-5 st.l.spoons of honey with 5 g of mummy. Preliminarily mummy is bred in a tablespoon of water. The obtained composition rubs the diseased portion and is left overnight.

Kalanchoe and clay

Also useful is a compress made of Kalanchoe and white clay. To do this, a glass of finely chopped Kalanchoe leaves is mixed with clay to make a flat cake that is applied to the sore spot, the procedure is repeated until the pain decreases or disappears.

Treatment with medicines

The medical treatment of a hernia of the spine is based on an integrated approach, since the task is not only to get rid of the pain.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications are used. In some cases, blockade with anesthetic is necessary. However, its positive impact is controversial. On the one hand, the blockade is very effective in combating pain syndrome, facilitating the patient's condition in a short period of time.

But on the other hand, a sharp disposal of painful sensations can lead to the fact that a person does not adequately assess their condition, because the pain has passed through the blockade, and the cause of the appearance of pain is not. In addition, injections of anesthetics in blockades are put in the area where inflammatory processes take place directly, which can affect the speed of recovery and the period of rehabilitation.

Bandage

The use of a bandage or corset depends on various factors, so for proper selection and use it is necessary to consult an orthopedic doctor. There are several types of bandages:

• easy warming belts - used to relieve pain, but do not provide relief from the load from the spine;
• semi-rigid corsets - has a supporting function, allows to unload the affected area, relieve muscle tension, relieve pain syndrome. Also have a massage and warming effect, fix the vertebrae in the correct position. It is admissible to use it for medical and preventive purposes: when doing physical work and playing sports;
• rigid corsets - carries a supporting function in the postoperative period and in the process of recovery from injuries. It is recommended to wear for several hours a day. It is not recommended to exceed the allowable wearing time, since in this case the back muscles weaken, which in turn can lead to the formation of new hernias.

Important! The need to wear a rigid corset can only be determined by the attending physician.

Exercises against the formation of a hernia

Performing certain physical exercises can contribute not only to the early recovery, but the prevention of the appearance of hernias. In the period of exacerbation, on the contrary, it is necessary to limit physical activity. But as the doctor recovers, recommendations are given on the performance of medical gymnastics.

It is necessary to exclude exercises aimed at twisting the spine, jumping, sudden shocks, strokes, any physical activity that increases the risk of vertebral stabilization disorders. The complex of exercises should consist of several blocks, which are performed throughout the day. The amplitude of movements increases gradually, starting with the lowest. The effectiveness of classes is affected by their regularity and duration of performance.

Examples of exercises in diagnosing a hernia of the lumbosacral spine:

1. The starting position, lying on the back. It's best to lie on the floor. Hands stretched along the body, palms down. The legs are bent at the knees. Straining the buttocks, do 7 lifts of the pelvis.
2. Staying in the supine position, arched in the lower back, leaning on the shoulders and palms. Repeat 7 times.
3. Also lying on the back, one knee is pulled to the chin, wrapped with both hands, is done alternately with each leg 7 times.
4. Rolls onto the belly, we clasp hands on the back of the head and lift the upper part of the case, pulling the blades back, 7 repetitions.
5. In the supine position, the arms are bent in the elbows, and the back is bent. Repeat 7 times.

Stretching muscles with a hernia of the cervical region:

1. Tilting the head to the side.
2. Tilting the head back and forth.
3. Turning your head to the sides.

Important! Avoid haste and sudden movements.

Exercises for a thoracic hernia:

1. Sitting on a chair, lean on the back, make deflections in the body. Repeat the exercise 5 times.
2. Stand up against the wall, rest against it with the palms so that the elbows are bent, make "push-ups", sinking to the wall at the lowest possible level. Repeat 5 times.
3. Staying in a standing position, stretch your arms above your head. Take the left wrist with your right hand. Run lateral slopes to the left. At the maximum inclination, a feeling of stiffness of the muscles in the chest area is possible. Runs 5-10 times in each direction.

Physical education should not cause discomfort and pain. The load increases gradually, as the muscles strengthen and improve well-being.