The herniated disk is a protrusion or rupture of a vertebra. It usually affects vertebras located in the spinal canal. The area most affected by this anomaly is the lumbar region, in the lower back. This protrusion can be painful and varies from one person to another, depending on the affected zone.
Causes
In many cases, herniated lumbar disk is caused by several factors, including:
- Bad movements and falls
- The frequent lifting of heavy objects that solicits the back muscles
- Smoking
- Aging or disc degeneration
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Overweight
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Frequent driving
- Repetitive activities that solicits and strains the spine
- Hereditary predisposition, etc.
Treatment
Treatment for herniated lumbar disk is usually fast and most patients are completely cured. Depending on your choices, it is possible to benefit from:
SURGICAL TREATMENT
In majority of cases, herniated lumbar disk is treated in a non-surgical manner. However, it may happen that the anomaly requires surgical intervention. The surgery is recommended for patients suffering from neurological deficits.
The results of surgery are quicker than those of non-surgical treatment. The procedure consists of performing a microdiscectomy. It is carried out by removing the fragments that cause the pain.
Rehabilitation is not necessary after the surgery. Generally, flexibility exercises and 30-minute walks a day will be enough to restore your health.
NONSURGICAL TREATMENT
Non-surgical treatment is the most used procedures when it comes to herniated lumbar disk:
- It is generally recommended to rest for a few days and to lie down to relieve the pain. It is also important to avoid lifting heavy objects.
- The use of analgesics such as ibuprofen will be effective in relieving pain.
- Practicing non-constraining exercises is recommended for the lower back
- Epidural steroid injections are also a great way to reduce inflammation and pain and they are performed in the lower back.
The surgery for lumbar herniated
