The first commonly indicated form of treatment for herniated disks is the use of anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy to relieve pain and reduce other symptoms, such as difficulty moving the limbs or tingling.
Other alternative options, such as acupuncture, Pilates or the use of certain teas, may also help supplement medical treatment, improve the effect of medications, and further reduce discomfort.
- However.
- Because herniated disk is a change that causes a compression of the disc between the vertebrae.
- Throwing it out of space.
- Sometimes these treatments are not enough to restore the quality of life of the person.
- In which case.
- A herniated disk.
- Surgery is indicated.
Recommended treatment for herniated disks includes the use of medicines, such as:
The use of anti-inflammatory remedies, although it has a good effect, especially in painful seizures due to a lumbar hernia, should not be used very often, as they cause many side effects, such as stomach irritation or impaired kidney function.
In cases where you need to use medications for a long time, pain relievers, muscle relaxants or anticonvulsants, as prescribed by your doctor, are the best options.
In addition to medications, the orthopedist may also advise physical therapy sessions, where exercises are performed and positions that are important to supplement medication treatment and reduce pain are learned. See all about how herniated disk physiotherapy works.
The duration of physiotherapy depends on the type of hernia and the intensity of symptoms that occur, but can range from 1 month to 6 months or more.
There are ways to relieve pain caused by herniated disks with home treatments, which may, in some cases, replace or reduce the dose of medication. The main ones are:
In times of crisis it is advisable to rest for a few hours, but always prefer movement because it reduces muscle stiffness and helps control pain. But it is important to avoid making great efforts such as cleaning or lifting heavy objects because this way the spine is more protected, avoiding manipulations or movements that can aggravate inflammation.
See, in the video below, tips from a physical therapist that can help improve herniated disk symptoms:
Surgery to treat herniated disks is especially indicated if it is extruded or abducted, where there has been no improvement in symptoms with the use of medications and physiotherapy, or when symptoms are so severe that they result in loss of strength and disability.
The procedure is performed in a surgical center, under general anesthesia, removing the disc from the affected spine, with a small cut, followed by the binding of the vertebrae or the replacement of the disc with an artificial material. It can be performed by the orthopedist, but also by the neurosurgeon, because it interferes with important parts of the spinal nervous system.
Another surgical option is the endoscopy procedure, in which the removal of the affected disc is performed through a thin tube inserted through the skin, with a camera at the tip. Although simpler, this type of procedure is performed in specific cases, disclosed by the surgeon, depending on your experience and the location of the affected spine.
After the procedure, the person can be discharged in 1 or 2 days, but should rest at home for 1 week, performing simple tasks such as personal care and walking short distances. A collar or vest may be needed for 2 weeks, to avoid forcing the premises and providing safety to the person.
Most activities, such as work, are already released after this period, but effort-consuming physical activities are released after 1 month.
Signs of improvement in the herniated disk usually appear about 3 weeks after starting treatment and mainly include decreased pain and decreased difficulty moving the limbs.
Signs of worsening of the herniated disk are more common when treatment is not working and include difficulty walking, standing or moving the body, as well as loss of sensitivity to urinate or evacuate, for example.