Herniated disc, treatment: medication, exercise or surgery

For spinal problems, don't immediately reach for a surgical solution.

Correct diagnosis of the problem is important. This is followed by the choice of the right treatment procedure.

The main method is conservative treatment. Its basis is regimen measures, such as at rest.

In the acute stage, analgesic treatment with rest and sparing is chosen. Subsequently, after its withdrawal, it is necessary to initiate adequate and controlled physical activity. 

The proof is that properly chosen physical activity, such as the SM exercise system and regular walking, are a success. 

The effectiveness of the conservative approach and rehabilitation ranges up to 80-90%.

There is evidence from MRI scans that the herniated disc shrinks over time until it disappears.

Kinesiotherapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, thermotherapy, ultrasonotherapy, laser therapy are applied in rehabilitation.

It is important to learn the correct posture. The spine school will also help.

Pharmacological therapy combines the effects of: 

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs
• myorelaxants, medicines to relieve muscle tension
• paracetamol
• corticoids
• opioids

Invasive methods

Surgical treatment is chosen if other methods fail. Its aim is decompression, i.e. release of nerve compression. When the segment is instable, stabilization surgery is also performed.

The indication for surgical intervention is cauda equina syndrome.

Examples of surgical methods are laminectomy, laminoplasty, hemilaminectomy, nerve root decompression, Caspar microdiscectomy, percutaneous discectomy, discectomy.

We are also familiar with minimally invasive methods, such as ozone therapy, radiofrequency ablation, percutaneous laser disc decompression.