The most common cause of low back pain associated with leg pain is “lumbar hernia”. The incidence of low back hernia is 10-15%, and it is most common between the ages of 30-50. Those who work in heavy jobs, housewives, professions that stand for long periods of time, those who sit at a desk for a long time, and those who are taller due to their spine structure, have a higher risk of getting herniated disc. occurs when nerves are compressed. Sometimes a reverse movement, heavy lifting, sudden force can cause herniated disc.
While herniated disc is characterized by pain radiating from the waist and hip to the back of the leg, it can sometimes be seen as pain that spreads from the inside of the hip to the leg, without back pain. As in all nerve compression patients, the patients have more night pains. Pain in one or both legs (usually more in one leg), numbness in feet or legs, difficulty in sitting and walking are the symptoms of herniated disc. If hernia progresses, symptoms such as inability to walk, urinary incontinence, and impotence can be seen.
Lumbar hernia is diagnosed by imaging methods such as computed tomography and MR today. If possible, MRI is the best diagnostic method.
NORMAL lumbar spine SIDE VIEW (MR)
L4-5 LEVEL DISC HERNIA
TREATMENT:
1- If there is only low back and leg pain, If there is no limitation of movement, loss of strength, no numbness and if the disc herniation is at the initial level in radiological examinations; It will be sufficient to give painkillers, muscle relaxants, bed rest and avoiding movements that will force the waist. Contrary to popular belief, the harms of sleeping on hard floors are more. It is more convenient for the patient to lie on an orthopedic bed and in a supine or side position. We do not recommend prone lying for low back health. Suggestions are made such as not lifting heavy loads, avoiding forward and side bending movements, not sitting for long periods of time, filling the waist with a pillow while sitting, and staying away from stress.
2- The patient’s complaints still continue, but if the patient does not have advanced nerve compression findings such as loss of strength or thinning in the leg, physical therapy should be applied.
3-If the pain continues despite physical therapy, if there are no signs such as loss of strength, thinning of the leg, unbearable pain, methods such as needles to be applied from the waist can be applied.
4-If the patient has examination findings such as loss of strength in the standing, thinning of the legs, surgical intervention should be performed without applying other treatment protocols.
Surgical methods; It varies according to criteria such as the clinical condition of the patient, the location and number of herniated disc, the age and weight of the patient.
