There are 5 vertebrae in the lumbar region. The structure that acts as a cushion between the two vertebrae is called the disc. Herniated disc problem occurs when the disc comes out by tearing the membrane surrounding it.
Causes of Herniated Back
Heavy lifting
Fall, impact, accident
Wrong and wrong movements
Excess weight
Smoking
Genetic factors
Herniated disc Symptoms
Low back pain
Leg pain
Leg numbness, loss of strength, numbness
More advanced urinary incontinence
Complaints stated for herniated disc may increase in case of walking for a long time, standing for a long time, coughing and straining.
In addition to the doctor’s various examination methods, MRI is the gold standard.
Lumbar Hernia Treatment
Depending on the level of hernia and the complaints of the patient, surgical or non-surgical hernia treatment is preferred.
Non-surgical Lumbar Hernia Treatment
Approximately 95% of lumbar hernias can be treated without surgery. Hernias in the remaining approximately 5% require surgery. We recommend the following for mild herniated disc patients who do not require surgery:
Rest
Physical therapy
Light exercises to strengthen the back muscles
Swimming
Medication treatment
Herniated disc surgery
If there is severe leg pain
If there is loss of strength and numbness in the leg,
Muscle thinning
If the level of the hernia is high enough to cause urinary incontinence, you may need surgery.
Herniated disc surgery can be performed with or without anesthesia. We prefer to do the surgery by numbing only a certain area, that is, under epidural anesthesia. We think that anesthesia-free surgery is more appropriate in order for the patient to be conscious during the operation, to be able to move, and to return to normal life earlier after the operation. Another preferred method is the microsurgical discectomy method. With the introduction of the microscope, we experience a more detailed, safer and more comfortable surgery process. In addition, since a very small incision is made, the healing time of the wound and the patient’s return to normal life are faster.
After Lumbar Hernia Surgery
As we mentioned in the hernia surgery section, the patient’s return to normal life is faster thanks to the anesthetized microsurgical discectomy method. There is no need for dressing and stitching after the surgery. The patient is mobilized approximately 2 hours after the operation. Within 1 week, he can return to his normal life, home or business life.
