Herniated disc, treatment: medication, exercise or surgery

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker

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.

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Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
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