Clinical treatment of a herniated disk
To start clinical treatment for spinal health issues we must first obtain a diagnosis from our doctor. In most cases, treatment will begin with physical therapy. The patient may also be prescribed medication, or, in extreme cases, the doctor may recommend surgery. The main focus of treatment is to ease pain, reduce inflammation and to find and treat the cause of the pain. Below you can read about the most common clinical therapies.Therapeutic exercises
What is it used for?The therapist develops an individualized treatment plan specific to each patient. These strengthening, stretching and balance exercises aim to reduce pain and increase the patient’s range of motion.
Physical therapy is composed of active and passive exercises. Passive therapy requires no effort from the patient and only involves the use of physical agents and joint manipulation on the therapist’s part. During active therapy, the patient takes an active role in performing the prescribed exercises.
Physical therapy is an individualized treatment that works to gradually increase the intensity and effort of the activities and thus helps eliminate pain and prevent new injuries.
It is used on a herniated disk during rehabilitation following surgery.
Physical therapy
The two most commonly used therapy methods are ultrasound and iontophoresis therapy.
Ultrasound therapyThe use of sound waves, imperceptible to the human ear, to relax the muscles, relieve inflammation and ease pain.
IontophoresisThe use of mild electric current on the skin to facilitate the delivery of medicine into the deep tissue.
Creams
Mostly effective for muscle-related pain as they cause increased blood flow to the affected area and alleviate cramps.
Hot and cold treatments
When symptoms occur, applying a cold compress can be effective in relieving pain, as it relaxes cramps and reduces swelling.
If pain persists for several days or the patient is experiencing chronic pain, applying heat may prove to be beneficial. It causes increased blood flow, thus reducing cramps and pain.
Surgical procedure
The majority of surgical procedures involve herniated disk operations, but only a small number of patients suffering from back pain actually need surgery.
Operations are required in cases of severe paralysis and bladder and bowel dysfunction if non-invasive treatment methods do not yield results, or if the pain is unbearable.
Therapy almost always begins with conservative treatment. Based on the results of the examination, the physician and the patient come to an agreement as to how to proceed, weighing the anticipated benefits against the risks of the operation.
Decompression surgeryDecompression surgery involves the removal of spinal disk or bone deposits with the aim of relieving pressure on the nerve roots.
Endoscopic operationEndoscopic surgery is the most common surgical procedure, as the small incision enables faster recovery. This type of surgery involves the use of a camera.
MicrodiscectomySimilar to endoscopic surgery, microdisectomy also ensures quick recovery following the operation, carried out with the use of a microscope.
Traditional surgeryTraditional operations are performed macroscopically, which result in larger incisions and, therefore, longer recovery time.
Nerve block injections
Designed to relieve symptoms, this treatment involves giving the patient short-acting – usually steroid – injections close to the spine. It is mainly used to treat strained joints and pinched nerves.
As injections are not aimed at treating the underlying cause, they are administered in combination with other treatments, exercise and changes in lifestyle for lasting results.
Medication
Medical treatment may be given in the form of pills, injection or infusion.
If over-the-counter non-steroid drugs yield no results within three days, we recommend that patients see a doctor. Physicians may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, or recommend injections or infusions. All of these help reduce inflammation and pain.
No matter which clinical or alternative therapy you may choose, keep in mind that changing your lifestyle is inevitable in avoiding the recurrence of herniated disks as well as pain.
Be careful performing your daily tasks, be mindful of your posture while sitting and resting, maintain healthy weight and exercise regularly in order to strengthen back and abdominal muscles and relieve stress.
