The herniated disc can be cured with surgery to correct the affected intervertebral disc or, in some cases of milder impairments, the alteration can be resolved with intense physical therapy techniques, with postural re-education and osteopathy, for example.
These techniques help to return the disc to the correct location of the vertebrae, through tractions, manipulations and stretches, capable of decreasing the symptoms caused by the compression of spinal nerves.
However, most cases of herniated discs do not require this type of curative treatment, as the symptoms of this disease can be controlled with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and physical therapy. Understand how herniated disc treatment is performed.
How is the surgery done
Herniated disc surgery is usually indicated for very severe cases, in which the involvement of the intervertebral disc is very large, to the point of treatment, using drugs and other techniques, is not efficient.
It is performed by the orthopedist or neurosurgeon, under general anesthesia, in a procedure that removes the affected intervertebral disc. This procedure can also be done by video, in which a thin tube is inserted into the skin with a camera on the end.
The hospitalization time is fast, usually 1 to 2 days, but it is necessary to take a rest of about 1 week at home, and the use of a necklace or waistcoat to maintain the posture during this period may be indicated. The most intense activities, such as physical exercises, are released after 1 month of surgery.
Physiotherapy should be maintained during recovery to help improve movement and maintain good posture. Learn easy exercises to do at home to improve posture and avoid pain.
Watch the following video and find out what are the tips to improve the symptoms caused by herniated discs:
How is physiotherapy done
Physical therapy for herniated discs varies according to the symptoms and limitations presented by the patient.
Initially, it is necessary to treat pain, inflammation and local discomfort, and to achieve this goal, several passive physiotherapy sessions may be necessary, with the help of devices and taking anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by the doctor.
When these symptoms are eliminated, the patient can perform another type of more intense physiotherapy and also associate sessions of osteopathy and techniques of global postural re-education (RPG), pilates and hydrotherapy as a way to keep the intervertebral disc in place, which has shown good results in reducing symptoms.
Physiotherapy sessions should be carried out, preferably, 5 days a week, with rest on weekends. The total treatment time varies from one individual to the next, as, while some achieve symptom relief within 1 month of treatment, others require more sessions.
