Lumbar hernia is a nervous system disease that occurs due to aggravated working conditions and stress today.
There are 31 vertebrae on our back, starting from the neck region and extending down from our hips and forming the spinal canal. When five of these vertebrae herniate, problems are found in the lumbar region. Between these vertebral bones, there is a special connective tissue in the form of a disc, which facilitates movement, ensures the durability of the spine, and acts as a protector against impacts. This disc consists of two parts, the inner and the outer layer. When the structure of the outer layer deteriorates, the soft layer inside protrudes outward. This protruding (herniated) part presses on the nerves in the spinal canal and compresses these nerves. The disease that occurs in this way is called “lumbar hernia”.
Herniated disc is a disease that is frequently seen in people who are exposed to working conditions due to heavy lifting (industry workers, quarries, etc.) or in those who work sitting (digger operators, truck or truck drivers, desk clerks, etc.). Lumbar hernia is seen in many people regardless of gender. Lumbar hernia is generally seen between the ages of 30 and 50. Lumbar hernia disease in general causes serious permanent discomfort if the necessary treatments and precautions are not taken. Therefore, lumbar hernia should not be taken lightly and necessary treatment should be done.
The biggest symptom of herniated disc is pain in the lower back and legs. When the patient goes to the doctor, he says “the pain in my back hits my leg”. But there may also be only back pain or only leg pain. Numbness and loss of strength may occur in the leg. In addition, difficulty in performing the movements that he has done before, restriction of movements and limping while walking can be seen. In more advanced and severe forms of lumbar hernia, difficulties in sexual life, difficulty in urinating and defecation or incontinence can be seen. Paralysis of the legs may occur or the feeling of the leg may decrease. When the patient’s complaints come to this situation, the operation becomes the inevitable option.
Lumbar hernia is diagnosed very quickly and easily. The disease can be determined by examinations such as an MRI or ultrasound. In this way, after the diagnosis of herniated disc, the treatment is planned. The treatment of lumbar hernia generally takes place in 3 stages. According to the degree of the disease, first bed rest and drug treatment, then physical therapy and rehabilitation, and finally surgical intervention takes place. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and determine the treatment process under the control of a specialist doctor.
